Maximal aerobic capacity of young people with spastic cerebral palsy. Maximal aerobic capacity in bicycle ergometer tests was studied in nine children (aged 11 to 12 years) and five young men (aged 19 to 23 years), all with a spastic form of cerebral palsy, and compared with non-handicapped control groups. Results showed somewhat lower values for heart rate, oxygen uptake/kg, ventilation/kg and blood lactate concentrations for the majority of the spastic group. The physical work capacity of the handicapped group amounted to about 50 per cent of the corresponding values for the non-handicapped controls. Poor mechanical efficiency in the spastic group is the consequence of high oxygen uptake in relation to the work performed. The poor mechanical performance is mainly caused by the extra amount of energy required for qualitative changes in the muscle (constant hypertonia), involuntary movements and stabilizing movements during exercise on the bicycle ergometer.


Behavioral and neurological characteristics of a hydranencephalic infant. A modified Prechtl neurological examination and the Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale were serially administered to a hydranencephalic infant over the first eight weeks of life. Clinical, roentgenographic, neurological and behavioral findings are reported. In contrast to earlier reports, visual tracking of a moving field and auditory and visual habituation were observed. Further, in addition to previously reported reflex automatisms, the infant also possessed what are termed "socially relevant behavioral automatisms". The implications of these findings are discussed.


Effect of somatostatin on basal and stimulated pancreatic secretion in the rat. The effect of linear somatostatin on pancreatic exocrine secretion in anaesthetized rats has been studied. Basal secretion of amylase was significantly inhibited by an infusion of 100 microgram/100 g/h somatostatin, but increased fourfold after a bolus injection of 50 microgram/100 g. CCK-stimulated enzyme and volume secretion were inhibited by somatostatin. Somatostatin did not influence secretin-stimulated bicarbonate concentration or rate of secretion in the dose range in which enzyme secretion was inhibited.


Sphincteric mechanism of the main pancreatic duct in the dog. An experimental model of the isolated sphincteric preparation. This study describes an in vitro experimental model of the sphincter at the lower end of the main pancreatic duct in the dog. This model, employing a drop counter to measure the drop rate, monitors the perfusion rate of Tyrode through the sphincter. Acetylcholine (ACh), employed to establish the sensitivity and viability of the isolated sphincter, produced a contraction of the sphincter which was concentration-response related. Saline, as a control, atropine and hexamethonium did not affect the drop rate. Atropine (20 microgram) partially abolished the contraction produced by 50 microgram of ACh; hexamethonium (50 microgram) did not have an effect. Caerulein 50 microgram produced a relaxation of the sphincter; adrenaline 50 microgram a contraction. Both sympathetic and parasympathetic mechanisms seem to play a role in the regulation of sphincteric activity of the main pancreatic duct in dogs.


Hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclase in human colonic mucosa. Human colonic adenylate cyclase has been shown to be sensitive to vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and prostaglandins of the E- and F-type. Maximal activation of enzyme activity averaged 200% for VIP and 300-350% for the E-prostaglandins. Both classes of hormones had an additive effect on enzyme activity indicating the existence of two distinct hormone-sensitive adenylate cyclases in human colonic mucosa.


Distribution of prostaglandin-sensitive adenylate cyclase in human upper gastrointestinal tract. The localization of the prostaglandin-sensitive adenylate cyclase in the upper gastrointestinal tract in human beings was studied. The prostaglandin-sensitive enzyme was almost evenly distributed throughout the fundic, antral and duodenal mucosa. The enhancement of enzyme activity in the presence of maximally effective prostaglandin concentrations exceeded basal levels by about 200%. The physiological role of the prostaglandin sensitive adenylate cyclase in gastric and duodenal function, however, remains to be established.


Leucocyte ascorbic acid in Crohn's disease. Leucocyte ascorbic acid levels have been found to be lower in patients with Crohn's disease than in normal controls. This appears to be due to the disease rather than the effect of drug or operative treatment. Prescribing supplementary ascorbic acid is an appropriate step in correcting this deficiency.


Sustained insulin-induced remissions of juvenile diabetes by means of an external artificial pancreas. Remission of diabetes was attempted in 12 recent acute onset ketosis-prone juvenile diabetes after short term (5 +/- 1 days) but excellent blood glucose control by the external artificial beta-cell. The comparison group comrised patients undergoing traditional treatment (n = 28). Nine (75%) persistent (over 3-14 months of duration) although partial (oral drugs required) remissions were obtained in the former group as compared to 3 (11%) in the latter group (p less than 0.05). Cases which showed remissions after insulin infusion had a plasma insulin response to IV glucagon still present before insulin infusion, and a daily urinary C-peptide excretion significantly enhanced after (p less than 0.01). Urinary C-peptide/blood glucose remained improved during the remission period. Thus, early effective treatment by means of the artificial pancreas may break the vicious circle hyperglycaemia-insulin depletion-hyperglycaemia and lead to frequent and sustained remissions of juvenile diabetes.


Effect of phenformin on hepatic balances of gluconeogenic substrates in man. The effect of a five day pretreatment with phenformin (3 X 50 mg daily) on hepatic metabolism was studied in six healthy volunteers. Arterial and hepatic venous concentrations of substrates and hepatic blood flow were estimated during a basal period and during a low-dose lactate infusion (0,03 mmol . kg-1 . min-1). The results have been compared with those obtained from untreated normal subjects in a previous study (16). During the baseline period arterial concentration of alanine and the hepatic venous concentration ratios of alanine: pyruvate and beta-hydroxybutyrate: acetoacetate were significantly increased with phenformin treatment, while the balances of carbon dioxide and glucose and the fractional extraction of alanine were decreased compared to the values obtained in untreated subjects. During lactate infusion mean arterial lactate concentration was significantly increased and hepatic lactate extraction was decreased compared to untreated persons under the same conditions. In the phenformin-treated group lactate infusion resulted in hepatic output of pyruvate and the hepatic glucose balance remained unchanged compared to baseline. Since the rate of hepatic blood flow was not increased during lactate infusion a significantly smaller glucose output and lactate uptake was obtained with phenformin. These findings support the present view that the hypoglycaemic effect of biguanides is due, at least in part, to inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis.


NSILA-carrier protein abolishes the action of nonsuppressible insulin-like activity (NSILA-S) on perfused rat heart. Human serum in a concentration of 10% in the perfusion medium failed to increase glucose uptake by the isolated perfused rat heart, indicating that nonsuppressible insulin-like activity (NSILA) in whole serum was inactive in this system. When NSILA-carrier protein was added to partially purified NSILA-S, its biological activity on the rat heart disappeared. In contrast, the action of insulin was not affected by the presence of NSILA-carrier protein. Binding of 125I-labelled NSILA-S to rat heart was inhibited by NSILA-carrier protein. 125I-labelled insulin binding was not inhibited. These results support the hypothesis that NSILA-S bound to serum carrier protein is a large molecular compound which does not readily diffuse out of the capillary bed and therefore does not exert insulin-like effects in vivo.


Preventive effect of gliclazide on experimental atherosclerosis in rabbits. Administration of a hypoglycaemic sulphonamide, gliclazide, at 10 mg/kg/day p.o. to rabbits for 60 days did not affect the development of plasma lipid disturbances induced by a high cholesterol diet. The accumulation of cholesterol in the liver was significantly reduced by up to 34% when compared with animals on the high cholesterol diet. The high concentrations of glycerides and fatty acids in the aorta were significantly decreased towards normal values and histology showed that the gliclazide strongly inhibited the development of aortic and particularly coronary lesions induced by the atherogenic diet. A normal appearance of coronary arteries was noted in more than 50% of cases.


Existence of differences in repressor properties between serine-rich histones (H5, F2c) from immature and mature pigeon erythroid cells. The abilities of H1 and H5 histones from immature and mature pigeon erythroid cells and subfractions of H5 histones with different content of alkali-labile phosphorus to restrict RNA synthesis were compared in an in vitro transcription system with bacterial RNA polymerase. It has been found that: a) H1 histones from both sources exhibit similar efficiency. b) H5 histones from immature cells restrict transcription to a lesser extent than the same histone from the mature erythrocyte. c) The subfraction of H5 histone from immature cells with the higher content of alkali-labile phosphorus restrict transcription less than the subfraction with the lower degree of phosphorylation. The results suggest that H5 histone, which first appears in the erythroblasts in a highly phosphorylated form, does not display its potential 'repressor' properties. During erythrocyte maturation H5 histone is dephosphorylated and this causes the massive inactivation of erythrocyte genome.


Basement membrane formation in transfilter tooth culture and its relation to odontoblast differentiation. The mesenchymal cells of the developing tooth differentiate into odontoblasts as a result of an epithelio-mesenchymal interaction. Odontoblast differentiation was studied in vitro by cultivating dental mesenchyme and epithelium with interposed filters. Separation of the two components by enzyme treatment resulted in removal of the basement membrane. When the epithelium was grown alone, or transfilter from killed lens capsule, the basement membrane was not restored. Transfilter cultivation with dental mesenchyme resulted in basement membrane formation, but only if the filter pores allowed penetration of cytoplasmic processes. Hence, a close association between the epithelial and the mesenchymal cells seems to be a prerequisite for the restoration of the basement membrane. Differentiation of odontoblasts took place only in explants in which a basement membrane was formed. Differentiation did not occur when contact of the mesenchymal cells with the basement membrane was prevented by small pore size filters. Further experiments demonstrating an intact basement membrane suggested that membrane contacts between the epithelial and the mesenchymal cells are not needed for odontoblast differentiation. Hence, we suggest that differentiation of odontoblasts is triggered via contact of the mesenchymal cells with the basement membrane.


Biosynthetic changes in myosin heavy subunit during myogenesis in culture. In primary culture of chick embryo muscle cells myosin synthesis is detected in mononucleated cells and increased at the onset of fusion with a maximal increment of 20-fold per plate in differentiated myotube. The possibility that the myosin synthetized by duplicating myoblast could be different from that present in post-mitotic myoblast and myotube was evaluated by investigating the regulation of its synthesis and the turnover of the molecule. Following Actinomycin D treatment (0.05 microgram/ml, 8 h), myosin synthesis is partially affected (about 50% inhibition) in pre-fusion myoblast while the synthesis is more sensitive to the drug at the onset of fusion (80% inhibition). With the progress of the differentiative stage the half-life of the molecule increases from 30 h in duplicating myoblasts to 200 h in fibers. The half-life of myosin synthetized by duplicating myoblasts in the explanted embryonic muscle, is 12 h. These data show different features of myosin heavy chains related to specific stages of differentiation and suggest the possibility that modulative changes of the molecule could induce its functional maturation during myogenesis.


[Echocardiographic measurement of left ventricular function in athletes (author's transl)]. Echocardiographic measurements were performed on fifteen football players, in moderate training and on untrained control groups. In comparison with the untrained subjects the echocardiographic tests displayed in athletes a 34% increase in the stroke volume, a 23% increase in the left cavity in diastole, a 11% increase in thickness of left wall in diastole, an increase of the area of the heart's transverse section and of the left miocardial volume. The contractility and pump indexes were the same for both groups of subjects. In conclusion, football is a compound type sport, implying mainly isotonic muscle contractions and isometric too; miocardial hypertrophy in football players' heart has a physiological character.


[The echocardiographic study in congenital valvular aortic stenosis (author's transl)]. Echocardiographic studies were performed in 15 patients, aged 8 months to 20 years, with congenital valvular aortic stenosis confirmed by hemodynamic findings. Seven patients showed an anomalous pattern of the valvular echo in diastole (multiple valve echoes), seven exhibited an eccentric closure, and only in two patients the area was significantly reduced in systole. Therefore aortic valve diastolic pattern was more important than systolic appearance in the echocardiografic diagnosis of congenital valvular aortic stenosis. In all cases a correlation was found between the left ventricular pressure obtained with this non invasive method and the pressure measured in the left ventricle at the cardiac catheterization (p less than 0.001).


[The Senning operation for correction of transposition of the great arteries (author's transl)]. The reported incidence of the main complications related to the Mustard operation for correction of transposition of the great arteries seems to be quite high: more than half patients develop arrhythmias and about one third develop venous (pulmonary or sistemic) obstructions. For these reasons we have reconsidered the type I (1959) Senning operation. Ten children below two years of age (body weight ranging from 3.9 to 12 Kg) have been operated on with this technique at our Institution. Nine were D-TGA and one L-TGA. One patient had a small VSD and three had mild pulmonary outflow stenosis (p less than 30 mmHg). All patients survived operation and none suffered from complications. At the time of the discharge from the Hospital all were in sinus rhythm. Late evaluation (24 hours EKG, cardiac catheterization, etc.) is in course. We believe that the Senning operation is easier to perform than the Mustard operation because of its more standardized technique which respects the internal geometry of the heart. Additional advantages are: 1) the intra-atrial conducting pathways are less likely to be damaged; 2) there is a minimal or no need for artificial tissues.


[3 cases of cardiac echinococcosis. Diagnostic considerations]. Three cases of cardiac hydatidosis are described, with emphasis on electro-vectorcardiographic, policardiographic and angiographic data. The cysts, plurime in two patients, were localized in different sites: in the first patient only one cyst was present in the interventricular septum; in the second one there were cysts in the right atrial wall and in the diaphragmatic ventricular wall; in the last one a multilocular disrupted sac involved the left ventricular wall partially occupying the left ventricular cavity. Multiple pericardial cysts were also present in this patient. The usefulness of different invasive and non invasive techniques is here discussed regarding topographic diagnosis of cardiac hydatidosis.


[Cardiac echinococcosis simulating myocardial necrosis in a 9 year-old boy. Diagnosis and surgical treatment (author's transl)]. The case of a 9 year-old, admitted for precordial pain, electrocardiographic signs of myocardial necrosis, deformity of the cardiac border at X Rays examinations, is reported. The diagnosis of cardiac echinococcosis was suspected once excluded other causes of myocardial infarction in children. Angiocardiography was the most useful diagnostic tool. The cyst was successfully removed with the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass. Cardiac echinococcosis gives rise, usually, to minor electrocardiographic changes; nevertheless, patients with electrocardiographic signs of necrosis can undergo surgical treatment without increased operative risk. Follow-up at several months after successful operation does not show return to normal electrocardiogram.


Properties of aryl hydrocarbon (benzo[alpha]pyrene) hydroxylase in lung microsomes of mice. The activity of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) in the lung from C3H/He and DBA/2 strains of mice was apparently increased by the oral administration of benzo[alpha]pyrene, but the enzyme activity in the liver was not. Properties of AHH enzymes in the lung microsomes from mice treated intraperitoneally with 3-methylcholanthrene (induced enzymes) were compared with those treated with corn oil (constitutive enzymes). The two enzymes were similar in pH-activity curve and the apparent Km for NADPH or NADH, but differed in the apparent Km for benzo[alpha]pyrene; the value for the induced enzyme (6micron) being lower than that for the constitutive enzyme (25 micron). Both 5,6- and 7,8-benzoflavones and 2,2'-bipyridine inhibited the activity of the two enzymes similarly, but N-benzyl-N,alpha-dimethylphenethylamine hydrochloride and 2-diethylaminoethyl diphenylpropylacetate inhibited the activity of the constitutive enzyme more severely than that of the induced enzyme. Cyclohexene oxide, 1,1,1-trichloropropane oxide, and leupeptin inhibited the activity of the constitutive enzyme slightly, but enhanced the activity of the induced enzyme. The significance of these differences was discussed briefly in relation to the carcinogenicity of polycyclic hydrocarbons.


A melanin-producing cell line derived from ascites of a patient with malignant melanoma. A melanoma cell line (PL-14), established from ascites of a patient with malignant melanoma, has continued to produce melanin for 4.5 years after the initial cultivation. The cultured cells have granules which were stained black with Masson-Fontana stain, and positive to the dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) reaction. Melanosomes and premelanosomes were detected in most of the cells by electron microscopy. Doubling time of the cell line was 72 hr and the mode of chromosome number was 48, ranging from 40 to 86. Inoculation of the cultured cells into the hamster cheek pouch produced pigment-producing tumors.


Antibodies to herpesvirus type 1 and type 2 among Japanese cervical cancer patients. Antibodies to herpesvirus type 1 and type 2 were examined in 69 Japanese females with cancer of uterine cervix, which included cases of cervical dysplasia (7 cases), carcinoma in situ (9 cases), and invasive carcinoma (53 cases), and 112 matched controls. The presence of antibodies to type 2 virus was 42% in cervical dysplasia, 11% in carcinoma in situ, and 28% in invasive carcinoma, while such was 15% in matched controls. Mean antibody titer in log10 was 2.12 to type 1 and 1.65 to type 2 in women with invasive carcinoma, and 2.14 to type 1 and 1.67 to type 2 in the matched controls. The findings presented here did not support an association of type 2 virus infection with the occurrence of cervical cancer.


Deviation of isozyme pattern of pyruvate kinase in the liver of nude mice bearing allogeneic or xenogeneic tumor. Isozyme pattern of pyruvate kinase in the liver of nude mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumor changed markedly during tumor growth. The change in isozyme pattern of pyruvate kinase was not due to infiltration or metastasis of tumor cells in the liver. Such a change in isozyme pattern of pyruvate kinase was also found in the liver of nude mice bearing canine gastric leiomyosarcoma induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), but not in the liver of nude mice bearing MNNG-induced canine gastric adenocarcinoma or human gastric adenocarcinoma.


Chemical stability, alkylating activity, and lipophilicity of 1,1'-ethylene-bis(1-nitrosourea) and related compounds. 1,1'-Ethylene-bis(1-nitrosourea) (EBNU) posesses antitumor activity against leukemia L-1210. Chemical stability, alkylating activity, and lipophilicity of EBNU and related compounds were compared. EBNU was the most unstable among several bis-N-nitrosoureas and mono-N-nitrosoureas tested. The alkylating activity of EBNU was the same as that of 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU), but higher than those of other bis- and mono-N-nitrosoureas except 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea. Lipophilicity of EBNU was extremely low compared with 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) and CCNU.


Binding of dextran sulfate by virus-transformed cells, with reference to altered growth behavior by its treatment. Binding of 3H-labeled dextran sulfate on transformed and untransformed cells was studied in relation to the altered growth of transformed cells by this treatment. 3T3 and SV3T3 cells, and the isolated cells (SV3T3-R5) insensitive to dextran sulfate treatment were used. The rate of binding of 3H-dextran sulfate on SV3T3 cells was dose-dependent when examined by the liquid scintillation method. It was revealed in autoradiographic analysis that there was no difference in the binding capacity of 3H-dextran sulfate among 3T3, SV3T3, and SV3T3-R5 cells. The rate of binding proceeded linearly during the first 10 hr and then tended to decline. Thin sections (0.3 approximately 0.5 micron) of SV3T3 cells were autoradiographed to examine the site of localization of 3H-dextran sulfate. Depending on the incubation time with the cells, 3H-dextran sulfate was located first on the cell surface and then in the cytoplasm when incubated further. Finally, silver grains were detected even in the nucleus of SV3T3 cells. This process of localization was similar in 3T3 cells. Binding of 3H-dextran sulfate on SV3T3 cells was independent of the presence of calf serum in the medium.


In vivo reaction of dimethylnitrosamine with nucleic acids. 7-Methylguanine is the main compound resulting from in vivo interaction between dimethylnitrosamine (DMNA) and nucleic acids, detected after strong acid hydrolysis. However, enzymic and alkaline hydrolysis of nucleic acids leads to quantitative liberation of methylamine. Methylamine isolated from liver nucleic acids of 15N-DMNA-treated rats has molecular weight of 31, thus demonstrating that DMNA-nitrogen is not involved in the binding.


Effects of autologous plasma from patients with malignant tumor on macrophage migration inhibition with tumor extract. By the use of the indirect migration inhibition technique blocking or inhibitory effect of autologous plasma on the production of migration inhibitory factor (MIF) from lymphocytes contacted with autologous tumor extract was studied in 45 patients with malignant tumor. When autologous plasma was added to the lymphocyte culture incubated with autologous tumor extract in 44 of these patients, inhibition of migration was completely abrogated in 9 of these patients whose lymphocytes produced MIF when cultured in plasma-free medium. MIF activity was not abolished when autologous plasma was added to the supernatant of lymphocyte culture incubated with autologous tumor extract. Inhibition of migration was not affected by the addition of allogeneic plasma from a normal subject to the lymphocyte culture. In 15 patients, MIF was not produced when lymphocytes were cultured with autologous plasma alone. These results appeared to indicate that autologous plasma of patients with malignant tumor might block or inhibit the production of MIF from lymphocytes contacted with autologous tumor extract.


In vitro morphological transformation of cryopreserved hamster embryo cells with tobacco tar. Cryopreserved primary cultures of Syrian golden hamster embryo cells were used as the source of target and feeder cells for in vitro bioassay of carcinogenesis. Since cultures that gave the best overall response in a preliminary test were used for the bioassay, in almost every case a range of responses was obtained. By the use of this of this bioassay system, the capacities of tobacco tar and its subfractions to induce morphological transformation were examined. Some fractions induced typical morphologically transformed colonies. A close correlation was observed between morphological transformation and bacterial mutagenesis.


Effect of urokinase on growth and metastases of rabbit V2 carcinoma. Effect of urokinase on the tumor growth and metastasis formation of rabbit V2 carcinoma, having low thromboplastic and high fibrinolytic activities, was examined. Weight of the tumor and lymphogenous metastases tended to increase, but the number of metastatic foci in the lungs was unchanged by the administration of urokinase. Diminution of fibrin deposits and connective tissue reaction in association with increase in the pattern of invasive growth was recognized at the advancing border of the tumors in the urokinase-treated group. In the intravenously induced pulmonary metastases, the number of metastatic foci decreased significantly in the urokinase-treated group. Fibrin was demonstrated at the site of tumor cell embolism by the conjugated anti-rabbit fibrinogen antibody. The growth of metastatic foci in the lungs was not affected by the treatment with urokinase. Enhancing effect of urokinase on fibrin resolution might promote the local tumor growth and release of tumor cells into the vessels, but interfere with the lodgement of tumor cells in remote organs.


Frequent appearance of radiation-induced transformation in junctional areas of colonies. Morphological observations on induction of in vitro transformation were made in X-irradiated mouse embryonic 10T-1/2 cell line. Morphology of the cells growing in interior of the developing colony was almost uniform, whereas giant, morphologically altered, and transformed cells appeared in the contact area between two and three neighboring colonies. All of 10 transformed foci appeared in the contrast area between 2 and 3 neighboring colonies. This suggests that the contact of colonies was an important process for the expression of radiation-induced transformation.


Antibiotic-associated diarrhea treated with oral tetracycline. Three patients developed severe, incapacitating diarrhea after antibiotic administration. Presenting features included abdominal discomfort, hematochezia, and hypokalemia from voluminous diarrhea. Roetgenographic studies in 1 patient were normal and proctoscopic examinations in 2 patients failed to show antibiotic-associated colitis. Stool cultures were negative. Despite cessation of antibiotics and symptomatic therapy, the diarrhea continued. After the administration of oral tetracycline, the diarrhea stopped without recurrence even after the tetracycline was discontinued. These clinical results suggest that patients with antibiotic-associated diarrhea may benefit from tetracycline when standard medical therapy fails.


Electrical activity of the opossum lower esophageal sphincter in vivo. Its role in the basal sphincter pressure. Studies were performed in anesthetized opossums to investigate the electrical activity that may characterize the lower esophageal sphincter. The stomach and lower end of the esophagus were immobilized on a specially prepared stage to eliminate movement artifacts. Extracellular electrical activity was recorded with bipolar needle electrodes. The sphincter pressure was measured with a continuously perfused catheter system. The lower esophageal sphincter showed continuous spike activity with or without phasic variations in their occurrence. The usual frequency of the spikes was 20 to 50 per min, and their duration was 81.2 +/- 8.9 msec (mean +/- SE). The spike potentials ceased with esophageal distention, which also caused a fall in the sphincter pressure. The spikes were abolished by isoproterenol and they increased with bethanechol. Correlation of the spike activity with the pressure revealed that the sphincter pressure was higher when the spike potentials were present, but a major part of the pressure existed in the absence of any spike activity. These studies show that: (1) the oppossum lower esophageal sphincter is characterized by continuous spike potentials, and (2) the major fraction of the basal pressure is, however, independent of the spike potentials.


Increased dietary cadmium absorption in mice and human subjects with iron deficiency. In mice fed a low iron diet, the addition of low levels of cadmium chloride (10 micrometer) to the drinking water impaired growth and accentuated the development of anemia. Cadmium had no effect on mice given a similar diet supplemented with iron. Iron deficiency increased the concentration of cadmium in the duodenal mucosa, the transfer of cadmium to the body from the intestinal tract, and the deposition of absorbed cadmium in the kidneys. In human subjects, the average absorption of 25 microgram of cadmium, labeled with 115mCd, from a test meal was 8.9 +/- 2.0% (mean +/- SE) in 10 people with low body iron stores (serum ferritin less than 20 ng per ml) and 2.3 +/- 0.3% in 12 subjects with normal iron stores (serum ferritin greater than 23 ng per ml). The biological half-time of the radiocadmium in 3 of the subjects ranged from 90 to 202 days. Thus, the intestinal adaptive response to iron deficiency in both experimental animals and human subjects leads to the increased absorption of cadmium, a potentially toxic element.


Effect of aging on biliary lipid composition and bile acid metabolism in normal Chilean women. Biliary lipid composition was determined in fasting gallbladder bile of 12 young and 12 elderly asymptomatic Chilean women with normal weights and recent, normal cholecystograms. The proportion of biliary cholesterol and the lithogenic index were significantly higher in elderly females. Moreover, supersaturated bile was present in 8.3% of the young and in 41.7% of the older women studied. Obesity enhances the saturation of bile in older females: lithogenic bile was found in 100% of 4 elderly, obese women with radiologically normal gallbladders. The bile acid pool and cholic acid metabolism were studied in 5 young and 4 older normal females. Both groups showed similar values of bile acid pool, cholic acid synthesis, and turnover. These results indicate that aging per se modifies the proportions of biliary lipids in Chilean women, and provide a partial explanation for the frequency of gallstones observed among them. The increment in the lithogenic index of gallbladder bile with age takes place without significant changes in bile acid metabolism, suggesting that the canalicular secretion of cholesterol increases with aging.


Gastrointestinal polyposis with orocutaneous hamartomas (Cowden's disease). A patient with Cowden's disease and multiple gastrointestinal polyps is presented. An association of gastrointestinal polyposis with this syndrome is made and the histopathological features are described. The cliniical features of Cowden's disease along with its familial tendency are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the importance of considering this diagnosis when evaluating patients with multiple gastrointestinal polyposis. Screening of these patients and their families for the associated malignancies should be performed.


Eosinophilic gastroenteritis presenting as ileocolitis. An adolescent girl who presented with clinical and roentgenographic ileocolitis diagnosed as Crohn's disease was found to have histological evidence of eosinophilic gastroenteritis. The potential for colonic involvement in this disease is affirmed.


Oral 25-hydroxyvitain D3 in treatment of osteomalacia associated with ileal resection and cholestyramine therapy. Severe histological osteomalacia developed in a woman with Crohn's disease 2 years after ileal resection and the start of cholestyramine therapy. Treatment with oral 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 50 microgram daily, produced marked biochemical, radiological, and histological improvement after 6 months. It is suggested that cholestyramine, by reducing vitamin D absorption, precipitated the rapid development of osteomalacia in this patient. This case report emphasizes the importance of routine vitamin D supplementation in all patients on long term cholestyramine therapy, and indicates that even in patients with small intestinal disease or resection, oral preparations of vitamin D or its metabolities and analogues may be effective.


Prolonged treatment of menetrier's disease with an oral anticholinergic drug. There is considerable evidence, both in patients with Menetrier's disease and from animal models of protein-losing gastropathy, that antisecretory drugs can acutely decrease or abolish gastric plasma protein shedding. Serial measurements on serum protein components were performed in a patient with Menetrier's disease before, during, and after long term treatment with propantheline bromide. Total serum protein concentration increased significantly during the treatment period from 4.3 +/- 0.50 to 5.9 +/- 0.55 g per dl during treatment, while albumin increased from a pretreatment value of 2.5 +/- 0.12 to 3.4 +/- 0.16 g per dl. The improvement in serum proteins and symptoms continued after therapy was stopped. Intensive anticholinergic drug therapy should be tried in this disease before resorting to gastrectomy.


Amylase elevation attributable to an ovarian neoplasm. An ovarian carcinoma producing amylase-rich ascites and pleural effusions is reported; salivary type amylase was identified in tumor tissue. A variety of nonpancreatic diseases and tumors of lung, parotid, ovary, and other organs have been associated with elevated amylase in serum or body fluids. Amylase isoenzyme electrophoresis is of value in differentiating pancreatic from nonpancreatic sources of increased amylase.


Squamous cell papilloma of the esophagus. Report of a case after peptic esophagitis and repeated bougienage with review of the literature. A case of multiple squamous cell papillomas of the esophagus is reported. To date only 8 well documented cases of this entity have been described in the world's literature. We summarize the clinical and histological characteristics of esophageal squamous cell papillomas and discuss their possible etiology and appropriate management.


Necrotizing enterocolitis (ischemic enteropathy) with the sequel of colonic atresia. Two cases of acquired colonic atresia subsequent to necrotizing enterocolitis (ischemic enteropathy) in the neonatal period are reported. These infants were noted to have complete atresia of the colon in the region of the splenic flexure 8 and 11 weeks after small bowel resection and ileostomy formation. Recognition of this and other late sequelae of ischemic enterocolitis becomes critical to the successful outcome of these patients as survival rates increase.


[Reduction of the incidence of postoperative morbidity after vaginal operations by the choice of suture material (author's transl)]. Dexon suture material is capable of lowering the postoperative morbidity. Among 142 vaginal operations for prolapse 82 were done with catgut and 60 with Dexon. In the catgut group 24.4% had a temperature of 37.5 or higher for more than one day and 15.0% in the Dexon group. Secondary vaginal bleeding occurred in 15.8% of the catgut patients and in 6.6% of the Dexon patients. The mean hospital stay was 18.8 days after operations with catgut and 14.6 days after operations with Dexon. There were less wound dehiscences than in the group operated with catgut. Dexon has higher tensile strength than catgut. It is absorbed by hydrolysis and causes less tissue reaction. Dexon shows the desirable properties of both an absorable and a nonabsorbable suture material.


[Causes and prevention of burnings caused by electrocoagulation during surgery (author's transl)]. During surgery accidential burnings caused by electrocoagulation are quite often. They are usually due to contact of patients with grounded parts of the table or the monitoring devices. Besides that burnings occur because of insufficient fixation of the neutral electrode. To prevent injuries the patient must be isolated carefully from every grounded metal. The neutral electrode should be fixed as close as possible to the area which is operated on and should be of a broad contact. Other more rarely occurring causes of burnings and their prevention are described.


[Ultrasonographic monitoring of ovarian hyperstimulation by exogenous gonadotropins and subsequent twin-pregnancies (author's transl)]. In contrast to estrogen-monitoring the ultrasonographic monitoring of the ovaries renders possible the estimation of individual follicular growth stimulated by gonadotropins. In two patients suffering from anovulation and additional factors inhibiting fertility, ultrasonographic monitoring was used in order to induce a pregnancy after moderate hyperstimulation nevertheless.


Three cases of choriocarcinoma (author's transl). Report on three cases of choriocarcinoma which showed interesting features. In the first case a living male infant was delivered two years following chemotherapy for choriocarcinoma and the infant showed no chromosomal abnormalities. In the second case a choriocarcinoma developed three years following a post-partum tubal ligation and the localized tumor was successfully treated by hysterectomy without chemotherapy. In the third case the uterine tumour was refractory to chemotherapy with Actinomycin D and methotrexate and required a hysterectomy. The value of HCG and HPL titres in the differential diagnosis and the value of the microscopic results of the currettings are discussed. The possibility of chromosomal damage to infants born following chemotherapy of the mother is mentioned.


Ciliocytophthoria in the cervical smear (author's transl). Ciliocytophthoria has rarely been described in vaginal cytology. It originates most likely from ciliated cells of the tubal epithelium. The significance or relationship of ciliocytophthoria to any diseases or tumours of the female genital organs is unknown. To detect ciliocytophthoria more frequently in cervical smears clusters of histiocytes have to be inspected under greater magnification.


[Therapeutic abortions in the second trimestre of pregnancy with prostaglandine gel (author's transl)]. Results of 141 therapeutic abortions in the second trimestre of pregnancy with Prostaglandine E2 gel or Prostaglandine F2 alpha gel are reported. Some required oxytocin augmentation. There were 102 legal abortions. Five cases had medical indications, 97 cases had psychosocial indications. There were 39 cases of missed abortion or intra-uterine fetal death. Prostaglandine gel was developed in 1973 by Lippert. The Prostaglandine gel was administered by catheter into the extra-amniotic space. Of all 141 cases 136 (96.5%) aborted within 36 hours. The mean administration-abortion interval was 10 h 5 min-3 h 45 min in the group with Prostaglandine E2 gel and 10 h 4 min +/- 6 h 3 min in the group with Prostaglandine E2 gel augmented with Oxytocin. In the group with Prostaglandine F2 alpha gel the mean interval was 9 h 52 min +/- 6 h 50 min and in the group with Prostaglandine F2 alpha gel augmented with oxytocin the mean interval was 16 h 17 min +/- 8 h 19 min. The mean dosage of Prostaglandine corresponded to the mean administration abortion interval time. 1/3 of the cases had side effects. The method and it's result are compared with other series.


Epidemiological indicators of the origins of behavior disturbance as measured by the Bristol social adjustment guides. Sex and social-class differences in juvenile behavior disturbance are quoted from two large surveys in Britain (N = 15,496) and Canada (N = 2527). These were significant in overreacting, but small or nonexistent among underreacting types of maladjustment. Comparable differences for social class and/or sex are quoted for developmental and health handicaps, perinatal mortality, and other congenital variables, notably the mother's smoking during the pregnancy. The greater prevalence among males over a wide range of deficits could not be accounted for by differing child-rearing practices, but seemd to be genetic. Similarly, the greater prevalence of overreacting maladjustment in lower-class children could not be explained in terms of cultural conflict, but rather as the outcome of prenatal stresses associated with child morbidity. A unifying theory accounting for both sets of phenomena could be found in mechanisms for the control of population numbers observed in many animal species.


Genetic analysis of the gene for N-acetylglucosaminidase in Dictyostelium discoideum. Three independent mutations affecting N-acetylglucosaminidase in Dictyostelium discoideum were mapped by the parasexual system and found to lie on linkage group IV. These mutations as well as two others were found to be recessive and noncomplementing in heterozygous diploids. Thus they all appear to affect the nagA locus. Since two of the mutations give rise to thermolabile enzyme, this defines the structural gene for N-acetylglucosaminidase. The enzyme is a homodimer of a 68,000 dalton subunit and thus would be expected to be determined by a single locus. The expression of this gene is regulated by the stages of development; however, it should be mentioned that none of the mutations fell in a separate locus that might determine a specific positive regulatory proteins.


Alcohol dehydrogenase mutants of Chinese hamster somatic cells resistant to allyl alcohol. Alcohol dehydrogenase (alcohol: NAD oxidoreductase, E.C. 1.1.1.1.) mutants of Chinese hamster somatic cells were isolated as resistant to allyl alcohol (ALLR). The ALLR phenotypes of the mutant clones were reproducible with high fidelity and stable over long intervals of growth in the absence of the selecting drug. Several mutants, Adh-1, Adh-2, Adh-9 and Adh-13, resistant to allyl alcohol were characterized. They have between 15 and 40% of the alcohol dehydrogenase activity of the wild-type cell lines. This phenotype is therefore a useful marker to analyze gene segregation of somatic cell mutations and to study the expression of the genes involved in the metabolism of ethanol in mammalian cells.


Influence of maternal phenotype on metabolic differentiation of agouti locus mutants in the mouse. The results of extensive breeding experiments indicate that the phenotypic differentiation of embryos carrying the viable yellow, A( vy), or mottled, a(m), mutations is influenced to a major extent by the agouti locus genotype and the strain genome of the dam. The A(vy)/a and a(m)/a genotypes are each expressed in a spectrum of coat color phenotypes. These can be grouped into two classes, mottled and pseudoagouti.-In a reciprocal cross of C57BL/6JNIcrWf and AM/Wf-a(m)/a(m) mice, 29.5% of the offspring of C57BL/6 dams were of the pseudoagouti phenotype, whereas no pseudoagouti offspring were produced by AM strain dams.-Mottled yellow A(vy)/a mice become obese and tumor formation is enhanced in these mice in comparison with the lean pseudoagouti A(vy)/a siblings.-In two different reciprocal crosses using four different inbred strains, the proportion of pseudoagouti A(vy)/a offspring differed according to the strain of the dam. Regardless of strain, mottled yellow A( vy)/a dams produced significantly fewer pseudoagouti A( vy)/a offspring than did black a/a dams.-The data suggest that metabolic differentiation of A(vy)/a zygotes into phenotypic classes with different susceptibilities to obesity and tumor formation is influenced to a considerable degree by the metabolic characteristics of the oviductal and uterine environment of the dam.


Dynamics of a lactate dehydrogenase polymorphism in the wood louse Porcellio scaber latr.: evidence for partial assortative mating and heterosis in natural populations. Electrophoretic separation of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of Porcellio scaber from 14 natural populations in California, and one each in Oregon, Delaware and Massachusetts, indicates a biallelic polymorphism. Phenotypes are recovered from laboratory matings of virgin females in frequencies agreeing with simple Mendelian inheritance, and the frequency distributions of phenotypes in natural populations are typically in agreement with the appropriate Hardy-Weinberg distributions for these same populations. The same allele predominates in all natural populations examined. Temporal stability within populations suggests that the polymorphism is at, or near, equilibrium. The spatial distribution of allele frequencies, however, is apparently mosaic. Abrupt discontinuities in gene frequency over short distances (50 m to 1 km) suggest that interpopulation migration is insufficient to swamp local differences in gene frequency. Analysis of the transmission dynamics of the polymorphism in natural populations using mother-offspring genotype comparisons suggests that the allelic frequencies of transmitted male gametes are not independent of female genotype. Specifically, the observed mating scheme in natural populations appears to be partially assortative. Comparisons of progeny genotype distributions with yearling (or adult) genotype distributions from the same populations indicate a superior post-partum viability of heterozygous individuals relative to homozygotes. The distortion of progeny genotypic distributions created by assortment is thus apparently counteracted by subsequent heterosis.


A comparison of the genetic infrastructure of the Ye'cuana and the Yanomama: a likelihood analysis of genotypic variation among populations. A general procedure is described for measuring and testing population differences in gametic frequencies. The total dispersion among populations is subdivided in hierachical fashion. The multiple-locus treatment is simply the sum of the single-locus analyses, provided gametic equilibrium obtains among the loci. In the event that gametic equilibrium does not obtain, correlations among loci need to be dealt with.--The analysis is then used to examine the genetic infrastructure of two Indian tribes from South America, the Ye'cuana (Makiritare) and the Yanomama. From historical evidence, we may identify several "clusters" of villages within each tribe. The demographic and cultural practices affecting village formation and the maintenance of peer integrity are rather different in these tribes, however, and lead us to postulate rather different patterns of genetic variation among villages. Analyses of five codominant two-allele loci, four dominant two-allele loci and two complex loci (with four codominant haplotypes each) demonstrate that Yanomama clusters are more disparate than Ye'cuana clusters, as would have been predicted on sociocultural grounds.


[Nature and role of accessory chromosomes in silver-gray foxes. IV. The behavior of accessory chromosomes in meiosis]. Comparison of chromosome number at somatic and spermatogonial mitoses has demonstrated the increase in the number of additional chromosomes in cells of germinal tissue. This may evidence a mechanism of B-chromosomes accumulation in foxes. B-chromosomes may lag as univalents, may form bivalent associations, or occasionally form trivalents at the stage of diakinesis-metaphase I, and they may associate with macrobivalents (A-chromosome bivalents). The analysis of metaphase II has shown that the distribution of B-chromosomes in the second metaphase is random resulting in gametes with various numbers of B-chromosomes.


[Characteristics of the intragenic recombination of T4B bacteriophage amber mutants under nonpermissive (su-) conditions]. Intragenic recombination of bacteriophage T4B amber mutants in early genes 30, 32, 42, 43, 44, 56 and in late gene 7 in su- cells of Escherichia coli B was studied. The frequency of recombination under such conditions was increased in genes 30, 43 and 7, but it was lowered in genes 46 and 44, and was completely inhibited in genes 32, 42 and 56. The level of stimulation or inhibition of recombination frequencies in early genes was gene-specific and did not depend either on the distances between amber mutations, or on progeny phage maturation delay. On the other hand, the level of recombination stimulation in the late gene 7 was greatly influenced by the distances between amber mutations tested. Wild type alleles arising in su- cells during recombination proved to be functionally active, and their activity caused the increase in progeny phage yield and in a partial removal of phage maturation delay.


[Comparative characteristics of spore-forming and asporogenic strains of Bacillus thuringiensis]. Comparative characteristics of sporogenous and asporogenous Bacillus thuringiensis strains is carried out. Asporogenous strains are found to differ from wild type strains in a number of criteria, including colony morphology, character of growth on rich and poor media and UV-sensitivity. Sporogenous strains form R colonies, they are more stable and more rare produce variants forming S colonies. S colonies are typical for asporogenous mutants, and under the cultivation in unfavourable conditions (elevated temperature, a shift of pH, a change of an incubation regime) asporogenous strains dissociate with a high frequency into R form. Initial strains, which are multiple auxotrophs, under certain conditions can form "prototrophic" revertants which are unstable when incubated on rich media. Suppressor mutation is supposed to be a possible mechanism of the origination of "prototrophs".


[Genetic structure of an isolated group of the native population of northern Sibiria, the Nganasani (Tavgi) of the Taimyr. III. A family analysis of blood groups]. Family analysis of ABO, MNSs, Rhesus, Duffy and Kell (Kp) in 50 families of nganasans is carried out. Segregation deviations are found in those families where the variation among the children is the widest. The proportion of children from unmarried persons is found to be very small, which supports the existence of traditional monogamic breeding structure in nganasans.


[Comparative study of reciprocal translocation frequency in the spermatocytes after the irradiation of newborn and adult mice]. The yield of reciprocal translocations was investigated in spermatocytes of CBA male mice irradiated immediately after their birth or after the irradiation of the stem spermatogonia at the age of 3 months. The doses of irradiation were 100, 200, 400 r X-rays and 300 r gamma-rays 60Co. The yield of translocations in both groups was the same.


[Increase with age of the frequency of spontaneous karyotype disorders in mice]. 328 oocytes from 874 studied were found suitable for counting chromosomes. 263 oocytes (80.18%) had a normal chromosome number, while aneuploidy was observed in 18.3% of oocytes (61). Among then 46 (14.02%) were with hypoploidy and 14 oocytes (4.26%) were hyperploid with 21 chromosomes and over. Structural chromosome aberrations were found in 24 oocytes (7.31%).


Some sources of error in the one-stage assay of factor VIII. The error of the one-stage assay of factor VIII activity is determined by the quality of reference and substrate (factor VIII-deficient) plasmas, as well as by the accuracy of dilution and clot observation time. Storage of the fresh normal plasma used as reference and/or of the substrate plasma for 2--3 h at 0 degrees C may cause considerable errors, which can be eliminated by the immediate use of plasma or by the determination of an appropriate correction factor. With all precautions taken into account the average error of the assay in our hands is 20%.


The activated factor X-antithrombin III reaction rate: a measure of the increased thrombotic tendency induced by estrogen-containing oral contraceptives in rabbits. Estrogen-containing compounds are thrombogenic in man. The extent of thrombosis is dose-related, but a measure of this thrombogenicity is not currently available. Evidence is presented, using an animal model of venous thrombosis, that impaired Xa inhibitory activity (the rate of reaction between Xa and antithrombin III) correlates with the development of thrombosis initiated by thrombin in rabbits receiving an oral contraceptive compound. The responses in the clotting assay and in the extent of thrombosis are dose-related. The hypercoagulable state induced by oral contraceptives can be completely reversed by trace amounts of heparin.


Thrombocytopenia and coagulation impairment after portacaval shunt in the rat. A study has been performed to evaluate the effect of the portacaval shunt on some coagulation tests in the rats. Thrombocytopenia develops, accompanied by a decrease in the total protein and fibrinogen concentrations. Moreover, the Quick time is lengthened, whereas the partial thromboplastin time is not modified. The maximal amplitude and elasticity of the clot, recorded by thrombelastography, appear reduced, and k is lengthened. The results are discussed.


Platelet aggregability in microvascular haemostasis and the effect of local inflammation. The effects on haemostatic plug formation and individual vessel platelet aggregability of granulocytopenia, prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and indomethacin were studied in microvessels of the rabbit mesentery. Granulocytopenia was found to have no effect. Indomethacin abolished the differences between arterioles and venules in haemostatic plug formation time and stability as well as individual vessel platelet aggregability. PGE1 significantly inhibited haemostasis and also counteracted indomethacine. It is concluded that the haemostatic differences normally seen between arterioles and venules can be explained by prostaglandin-induced inhibition of venular platelets.


Influence of pentacyanoferrate complexes on platelet aggregation. To elucidate the structural constituents of sodium nitroprusside responsible for antiaggregating effects, comparative studies were done with pentacyanoferrates possessing ligands other than nitric oxid. Among the pentacyanoferrates tested, also the nitro and thionitro compounds possess considerable antiaggregating effects. The ammine and aquo compounds are nearly ineffective. These results support the assumption that the nitrosyl cation or its secondary product, nitrous acid, is responsible for the inhibition of aggregation.


Combined action of pyrazole and ethanol on a rat liver: histochemical and ultrastructural study. The effect on a rat liver of combined administration of pyrazole and ethanol was studied histochemically and by electron microscopy. The study revealed strong hepatotoxic action of pyrazole combined with ethanol. Feeding with ethanol alone induces slight alterations in the liver, pyrazole alone affects the liver but slightly, whereas a combined administration of pyrazole and ethanol both by light and electron microscopy examination revealed a strong toxic action leading to severe damage of the liver cells including necrosis.


Horseradish peroxidase application to the protein transport investigations and alkaline phosphatase ultralocalization at the kidney barrier level. Horseradish peroxidase was used to the precise investigation of low molecular protein transport across the kidney barrier. Simultaneously on the parallel material alkaline phosphatase activity was revealed, as this enzyme is connected with the transport processes through cell membranes. The applied reaction diaminebenzidine has shown infiltration spots for low molecular protein at the glomercular barrier and visualized tubular reabsorption of peroxidase in proximal convoluted tubule. Alkaline phosphatase activity has been observed on the surface of podocytes foot processes. On the surface of proximal convoluted tubules brush border and in canals formed with cells basal membranes investigations high activity of alkaline phosphatase was also observed.


Laser-spectrographic study on the contents of metals in the brain of patients with arteriosclerotic dementia. The histotopography of metal contents was studied in brains from cases with arteriosclerotic dementia by means of laser spectrography, a technique which is both highly secific and sensitive. All the affected brains contained considerable amounts of calcium which was present in almost all brain regions. The quantitative evaluation showed twice as much calcium in the striatum relative to the cerebellar white matter.


Modification of the activity and surface topography of peritoneal macrophages by cytophilic antibody. Cytophilic antibody (Cab) attached to the macrophage surface substantially changes the cell surface relief as tested in the scanning electron microscope. Diffuse loss of surface structure is accompanied by diminished ability to interiorize opsonized sheep erythrocytes and to damage non-specifically bystanding target cells (chicken erythrocytes). Cross-linking of Cab on the macrophage surface by antigen or antibody partially restores macrophage membrane activity.


Histochemical study on the external ear of Suncus murinus (Indian musk shrew). The histochemical study of the Ear of female Suncus murinus (Indian musk shrew) was studied by the use of the cholinesterase technique. Good and sharp results were obtained while studing the AChE activity in the hair, hair follicle, hair papillae, muscle spindle, and nerve endings. The investigations were performed under constant pH, temperatures 37 degrees C to 40 degrees C, and incubation times, from 16 hours to 18 hours. The hair follicle and hair shafts showed strong positive reaction; hair papillae also showed strong positive reaction of AChE activity, while hair showed the banded appearance and the muscle spindles showed mild reaction of the AChE activity.


The structure and cytochemistry of the oocytes in the crab Xantho bidentatus Milne Edwards. In the development of the oocytes of xantho bidentatus four stages could be distinguished. In stage I the cytoplasm is homogenous, in state II a perinuclear ring is formed, in stage III oocytes round bodies which are carbohydrate-protein complexes appear near the peripheri. These bodies occupy the oocyte completely in the stage IV oocyte. There are two types of bodies in the oocyte, big oval or round bodies which are carbohydrate-protein complexes and smaller bodies in between the oval bodies. These smaller bodies are lipid bodies. In stage I and II the cytoplasm is rich in RNA and in stages III and IV the cytoplasm is full of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids.


Further results of serological examination of domestic animals for leptospirosis in Afghanistan. The authors examined serologically 329 specimens of domestic animals from 8 provinces of Afghanistan for the incidence of leptospirosis. They detected in 15.8% of the animals examined antibodies against Leptospira in titres of 1 : 800 and higher: in 6.4% with serotypes of the serogroup Hebdomadis, 5.5%--Tarassovi, 2.7%--Grippotyphosa, 2.4%--Pomona, 2.1% Javanica, 1.5%--Icterohaemorrhagiae, 0.6% each--Canicola, Ballum, Bataviae, 0.3%--Pyrogenes. Positivity was highest in the buffalo--55.0%, camel--10 of the 18 animals examined, and cattle--25.5%. It was considerably lower in sheep--2.3% and goat--3.2%; also positive was one of the 6 zebus examined.


On the topical problems of species in general and in relation to helminths. In the light of the present knowledge of species, the author suggests to accept ten features of species and the general definition of species proposed by Zavadsky (1961, 1968), together with the definition by Mayr (1940) characterizing more concretely the species at the level of biparentally reproducing organisms. The definition by Timofeeff-Ressovsky et al. (1973) may be used for exclusively autogamous species of helminths. From the viewpoint of the species as a taxonomic unit, the paper presents proposals for establishment of a practical standard which would better suit the theoretical idea about the helminth species than it was the case till the present.


Scanning electron microscopic study of the vulva of some trichurids (Nematoda). The structure of vulva of four Trichocephalus species has been studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The shape of vulva and cuticular elements on vulval appendages is described and documented. The cuticular structures on the vulva have a characteristic shape specific for each species. It is suppossed that SEM can be successfully employed in a detailed study of vulval structure, which is an important taxonomic character for the differentiation of females of Trichocephalus species.


Life-cycle of the cestode Wardium calumnacantha (Schmidt, 1963) comb. n. (Hymenolepididae) from common snipe, Gallinago gallinago (L.). Post-embryonic development of the cestode Wardium calumnacantha (Schmidt, 1963) comb. n., a parasite of common snipe, was studied by experimental infection of the oligochaetes Neoscolex roseus Morev and Rhyacodrilus coccineus (Vejdovský) carried out in Chukotka. The larvae of W. calumnacantha were ovoid and belonged to the morphological modification of cysticercoid-diplocyst. Two invaginations were observed during the larvogenesis. The first one occurred at the stage of scolexogenesis, when the body of larva was plunged into the external cyst formed by the walls of the primary cavity. Second invagination of the formed scolex and neck into the internal cyst was the final stage of cysticercoid formation.


Morphology, histochemistry and ultrahistochemistry of special verrucose formations in daughter sporocyst of Eurytrema pancreaticum. Verrucose formations were found on the surface of fully developed sporocysts of E. pancreaticum Janson, 1889 at the site where the attenuated proboscis-like anterior portion widens into the posterior portion. Under these verrucose formations is always a group of gland cells. Their narrowed processes pass at a common site through the muscle layer and above this layer again slightly widen and project above the neighbouring tegument. The tegument of the verrucose formation differs from the neighbouring tegument of the sporocyst. In the cytoplasm of the gland cells there are large, spherical membrane-bound bodies containing proteins with tryptophan, tyrosine and SH groups. These bodies do not have any activity of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase or nonspecific esterase. Besides these protein bodies the perinuclear cytoplasm is filled with beta glycogen particles and many cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum. The processes of these cells contain thick fibriles. The verrucose formations with the gland cells seem to serve for attachement and lysis. This function is applied not only during the development of the sporocyst, but also during its release from the site of location and penetration through the snail tissue.


Microscopical anatomy of larva of Cheladonta costulata (Acarina: Trombiculidae). I. Glands. The larva of Ch. costulata possesses seven paired glands which can be differentiated according to their position and histological structure. In five of them, the dynamics of their secretory or excretory activity may be studied histologically during the feeding process, when not only the deposition of secretion in the gland cells, but also the size of the whole gland is changed. The morphology of the remaining glands is not affected by feeding.


Isolation of Bhanja virus from ticks of the genus Haemaphysalis in southeast Bulgaria and presence of antibodies in pastured sheep. Bhanja virus was isolated from ticks of the genus Haemaphysalis (H. punctata and H. sulcata) collected from sheep pastured in the surroundings of Akhtopol in southeast Bulgaria, and simultaneously blood sera of 58 sheep were investigated in plaque-reduction neutralization test with B lranja arbovirus. All sera contained antibodies to this virus in titres from 1:32 to 1:4096 (geometrical mean titre 1:494). The district of Akhtopol proved to be a natural focus of Bhanja virus.


Record of Psilotornus confertus Machalska, 1974 (Trematoda: Psilostomidae), a parasite of birds, in water-shrew Neomys fodiens Pennant, 1771 (Insectivora: Soricidae) in the Oriental Pyrenean Mountains. Psilotornus confertus Machalska, 1974 was found in the water-shrew Neomys fodiens Pennant, 1771 in the Oriental Pyrenean Mountains. This fact may be considered as accidental for the time being. The findings of P. confertus, Brachylaemus fulvus (Dujardin, 1843) and Pseudoleuco-chloridium soricis (Soltys, 1952) in N. fodiens in these mountains are discussed from the bioecological aspect.


Microclimate as a determining element in the distribution of ticks and their development cycles. The paper deals with the problem of interrelationship between macroclimate of the region, mesoclimate of the biotope studied and microclimate of the tick niches proper, necessary for the research of tick ecology. New methods for the solution of microclimatological studies are proposed and the relationship between macro-and mesoclimate, or that between temperature in the tick cage and environment, is formulated. In choosing optimal intervals of data acquisition a two-hour interval (every even hour of the day) has proved to be the most suitable.


[Effect of arsenic on the developing brain of rat (author's transl)]. An experiment was conducted in an attempt to determine the effect of arsenic on body weight, brain weight and brain chemical composition in suckling rats. Four hundred and ninety-nine young rats from Wistar albino mothers in a closed colony (TAMURA, 1950) were grouped into four according to the treatment given. Group 1 served as control. Rats in Group II were treated with As2O3 1.5 mg/kg, those in Group III 15 mg/kg and those in Group IV arsenic compounds (corresponding 15 mg/kg of As2O3) for 7 to 21 days after birth. Measurements were recorded for 3 to 15 weeks. The mortality of groups I and II was approximately 10%, while that of groups III and IV was approximately 50%. Regarding body weight, brain weight and brain chemical composition of provision of the same, there was no significant difference between controls and the arsenic treated males and females under conditions Oriental feed diet and powdered milk.


[The study of developmental pharmacology (I). Effect of pentazocine HCl on the physiology of rats given the drug during perinatal and postnatal periods (author's transl)]. The effects of drug administration on the dams (F0) and their offspring (F1), particularly on the central nervous and reproductive functions of F1, were studied by oral administration of pentazocine HCl to rats during the perinatal and postnatal periods. No significant differences were observed between administered and control rats regarding body weight changes and food intake during perinatal and postnatal periods in F0 at all dosages, but temporary salivation was observed in the 200 and 100 mg/kg groups, and decline of spontaneous activity and respiratory rate, disappearance of righting reflex, clonic convulsion were observed in some of the 200 mg/kg group. No significant differences were observed regarding litter size, birth rate, state and timing of differentiation as postnatal development, sex maturity, reproductive function in F1, although some groups were slightly inferior in body weight at birth and during the nursing period. Furthermore, no differences were observed in respect to the nervous functions of balance, exercise and psychotic related activity in the open-field test.


[The study of developmental pharmacology (II). Histological observations of central nervous tissue in rats of dams given pentazocine HCl during perinatal and postnatal periods (author's transl)]. In previous literature, we reported that the rats whose dams had been administerd pentazocine HCl 200 mg/kg/day during the perinatal and postnatal periods, showed no differences between control rats in the physiological function and psychotic activity tests. Brain tissues of the rats were observed histologically herein to confirm the result of previous tests. Abnormal findings such as deficits, undevelopment and metamorphosis, in the shape, size and configuration of nerve cells, myelin sheaths and vessels in consecutive transverse sections stained by Nissl and Klüver-Barrera method were not evident on examination under light microscope, and in cell bodies, dendrites, axons, myelin sheaths, synaptic complexes of nerve cell, neuroglia and vessels in the cerebral cortex, under electron microscope. The lack of abnormal findings in the histological observation of brain tissues supports the result of previously conducted physiological function and psychotic activity tests in which no significant differences were found between treated and control rats. Pentazocine HCl had no effect on the brain tissues of rat offspring from dams administered the drug during perinatal and postnatal periods.


[Pharmacological studies of loperamide, an anti-diarrheal agent. II. Effects on peristalsis of the small intestine and colon in guinea pigs (author's transl)]. Effects of loperamide on peristalsis in the guinea pig intestines were investigated in comparison with those of morphine and atropine. The following results were obtained. The ejection of intraluminal fluid produced by the peristaltic contraction of the isolated ileum was suppressed by loperamide at a concentration of 10(-8) or 2 X 10(-8) g/ml. Peristalsis in the intestinal loop of anesthetized guinea pigs was inhibited by i.v. administration of loperamide at a dose of 0.03 mg/kg. Morphine (0.03 mg/kg i.v.) and atropine (0.05 mg/kg i.v.) also inhibited the peristaltic contraction. The effect of loperamide continued longer than that of morphine. Peristalsis in the colonic loop of anesthetized guinea pigs was inhibited by i.v. administration of loperamide at a dose of 0.01 or 0.03 mg/kg. Morphine (0.1 mg/kg i.v.) and atropine (0.03 mg/kg i.v.) also inhibited the peristaltic contraction of the colonic loop. Loperamide (0.01 or 0.03 mg/kg i.v.) and morphine (0.1 mg/kg i.v.) caused a slight and temporary increase of resting level of intraluminal pressure with inhibition of peristalsis in the colonic loop. These results suggest that loperamide suppresses the peristaltic contraction caused by distension of the intestinal lumen.


[Effects of Theo-Esberiven on the coronary circulation and myocardial metabolisms in dogs (author's transl)]. In isolated dog heart, Theo-Esberiven 0.1 mg, which contains 12 mg proxyphylline, 2.5 mg rutin and 5 mg Melilotus extract, and proxyphylline (12 mg) increased coronary blood flow (CBF) and was associated with increased heart rate (HR) and myocardial contractile force (MCF). The effect of Theo-Esberiven on CBF was about 1.7 times higher than that of proxyphylline. Theo-Esberiven did not significantly affect myocardial oxygen consumption (QO2) and redox potential (deltaEh), while proxyphylline aggravated myocardial metabolisms, as determined from these parameters. Esberiven 0.1 ml, which contains 2.5 mg rutin and 5 mg Melilotus extract, slightly but signficantly increased CBF and decreased QO2 and deltaEh without changing HR and MCF. In situ, intra-coronary injection of either Theo-Esberiven or proxyphylline resulted in a dose-dependent increase in left circumflex coronary flow (LCCF). The effect of Esberiven on LCCF was much less and was slight at the higher doses. Intravenous injection of Theo-Esberiven (0.1 ml/kg) increased LCCF. Besides this change, marked fall in blood pressure and tachycardia were induced by both Theo-Esberiven and proxyphylline without the change in dP/dtmax. Esberiven by the same route led to the decrease in blood pressure associated with HR and dP/dtmax. These results indicate that Theo-Esberiven may be appropriately prescribed for ischemic heart diseases.


[Caffeine-induced contraction of guinea pig taenia coli (author's transl)]. Caffeine (10 or 20 mM)-induced isometric contraction of guinea pig taenia coli showed two successively occurring phasic contractions (I and II) followed by a low sustained tension. Half-time of tension decay in II was 4 approximately 6 times longer than in I. The contraction occasionally showed only a single phasic contraction, of which tension, however, decayed showing two half-times as in two phasic contractions. In the presence of procaine 0.1 approximately 0.5 mM, DNP 0.03 approximately 0.1 mM or Mn2+ 0.5 approximately 1.0 mM, II was entirely abolished whereas I was partially inhibited and such were confirmed by analyzing the time course of tension decay. Maximal tension of I decreased in parallel with lowering the external Na while II was enhanced with 50 approximately 100 mM Na and inhibited by further withdrawal of Na. I and II showed the same Ca-dependecy with respect to the inhibition by Ca deficiency and to the time course of recovery from Ca-free state. Refractoriness to caffeine after preceding caffeine-contraction also showed little difference between I and II. Sustained tension by caffeine was dependent on Ca in the same manner as tonic K-contracture. Increase in 45Ca uptake with 40 mM K was completely inhibited by 10 mM caffeine while cellular Ca content in the presence of high K markedly increased with caffeine indicating the decrease in Ca exchangeability. The above results indicate that caffeine induced contraction consists of two phasic contractions of which EC-coupling Ca is released from two different cellular sites, and that the phasic contractions are followed by a sustained low tension caused by an increased Ca influx. In the presence of high K, caffeine abolishes the increase in Ca influx by high K and sequesters the sarcoplasmic free Ca resulting in the relaxation of K-contracture.


[Rational diagnosis in liver diseases].

[Rational diagnosis in liver diseases]. A rational diagnostic procedure has to be not only scientifically should but also economically reasonable. One has always to ask to what purpose the diagnosis shall serve. The diagnosis is mainly necessary for the treatment of a patient. This includes aiming at a causal therapy, informing the patient about cause and meaning of his symptoms, and also considering prognosis and, if necessary, prophylaxis. In liver disease the following investigations are obligatory: history, signs and symptoms and a minimal set of tests (SGPT, SGOT, gamma-GT, serum bilirubin, urobilinogen in the urine). The next level of diagnostic measures evolves out of several questions: in case of acute disease: etiology (infections; toxic?); evidence of chronic liver disease; differentiation between intra- and extrahepatic cholestasis; evidence of a circumscript lesion of the liver; associated reaction of the liver in connection with other extrahepatic diseases. Serum bilirubin is of relatively little importance except for disturbances of the bilirubin metabolism. The same is true for serum iron except for the diagnosis of hemochromatosis. Blood coagulation tests are of great value for the diagnosis and evaluation of acute and chronic liver disease as are immunologic and serologic investigations (HBsAg, HBcAg, Anti-HBeAg, Anti-HVA, ANF, SMA).


[The significance of gastrointestinal hormones in gastroenterological practice]. In medical practice, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of gastrointestinal hormones attract interest. Gastrin--in the form of pentagastrin--can be used for gastric secretory analysis and, in the analysis of exocrine pancreatic function, secretin and cholecystokinin-pancreozymin can be employed as stimulants. Diagnosis of hormone-producing tumors is possible by radioimmunological determination of serum levels of the hormone in question: so, dramatically high gastrin levels can be found in the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome while in the Verner-Morrison syndrome, VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) values are significantly elevated.--The therapeutic use of gastrointestinal hormones (gastrin, secretin) is waiting in the wings.


[Diagnosis of diencephalic disorders. Clinical study on the diagnosis of diencephalic disorders before and after surgery of tumors in the region of the sella and the diencephalon]. The clinical symptomatology of diencephalic disorders is studied in 193 patients operated because of tumors in the sellar region. A new classification of these tumors is established according to the localization and degree of compression of the hypothalamus. The following parameters were examined: body temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, electrolytes, fluid balance, and serum glucose. In addition, hormonal tests for hypophyseal and diencephalic disorders were carried out. The analysis shows a significant postoperative temperature rise in patients with tumors in the hypothalamic region, depending on the degree of compression of the hypothalamus. There is no relation to histological findings or form of operative approach. Postoperative diabetes insipidus as well as endocrine diencephalic disorders correlate also with the degree of diencephalic lesion. The same results were found with glucose regulation. In contrast, blood pressure, pulse rate, and electrolytes show no differences in the groups tested.


[Removal of intravascular thrombi by means of ultrasonics. Experimental study with a new method and its clinical use]. A new method of destroying thrombi in blood vessels by ultrasound and simultaneously removing them is reported. Experiments were performed in 19 dogs with artificial thrombi in the iliac and the femoral arteries and veins. The length of the thrombi ranged from 4 to 5 cm and the age from 12 h to 9 days. The unit used consisted of a generator, a frequency counter, an ultrasonic transducer with the hollow waveguide, and a vacuum pump. For protection of the vessel wall the guide is surrounded by a plastic tube. The ultrasonic frequency is 26.5 kHz, the amplitude 25--30 micrometer. The time needed to destroy the thrombus by ultrasound and suck out the thrombotic material ranged from 2.5 to 5 min. To check side effects, experiments were performed in 48 dogs. No changes resulting from ultrasonic irradiation were seen in the circulating blood or in the microscopic structure of the vessel wall. Ultrasonic thrombolysis was performed in a 42 year old patient with a 2-day-old thrombosis of the femoral artery. After 4.5 minutes of intermittent ultrasonic irradiation the artery was patent.


[A new oral iron preparation with a new concept]. Within the framework of a clinical study in 30 female patients suffering from concealed and manifest iron deficiency, Tardyferon--a progressive iron preparation based upon two synergistic active principles--demonstrated its superiority especially with regard to its excellent tolerance which is so important in the treatment of such disorders. Apart from the depot effect ensuring an optimal absorption rate, the mucoproteose which promotes bioavailability by protecting the mucosa against iron-related irritation deserves great attention.


[Non-invasive nuclear medical diagnosis in cardiology. 201T1-myocardial and ECG triggered heart ventricle scintigraphy]. 201Thallium scintigraphy serves as a non-invasive method for visualizing regional perfusion, viability and configuration of the myocardium. Serial scans performed after injection during ergometric exercise allow to differentiate between irreversible cell damage, i.e. myocardial infarction or scar, and transient, reversible ischemia in patients with coronary heart disease. ECG-gated blood pool scans are an ideal adjunct as they represent the functional results of the pathologically altered myocardium. This method permits quantitative determination of the enddiastolic volume, endsystolic volume and left ventricular ejection fraction. Furthermore, regional and global wall motion may be judged qualitatively. Results of both methods show an excellent correlation with those obtained by invasive catheterization and cineangiocardiography. The clinical value is based on screening and follow up of a broad variety of cardiac diseases.


[Spontaneous evacuation of ascites through an umbilical hernia]. A case of spontaneous rupture of the umbilicus is reported as an unusual and frequently fatal complication of massive ascites due to hepatic cirrhosis. The patient survived this episode with medical treatment.


[Testing the resistance of human tumor and bone marrow cells to cytostatic agents]. Using a short term incubation cell culture method with incorporation of radioisotopes the effect of cyclophosphamide and adriamycin to carcinoma cells and at the same time to bone marrow cells of the same patients has been evaluated in vitro. Instead of cyclophosphamide, ineffective in vitro, 4-Hydroperoxycyclophosphamide was tested. In case of the tumor cells innate as well as drug-induced resistances are obtained in vitro. Different resistance behavior of tumor and bone marrow cells to cyclophosphamide and adriamycin may indicate therapeutic results to be expected in vivo. Simultaneous in vitro resistance testing of tumor and normal cells offers the possibility of better characterization of tumor and host.


[Electrosensitive diagnosis in neurology]. The electrosensitive examination consists of the determination of sensory nerve conduction velocity and the somatosensory cortical evoked potentials above the contralateral postcentralarea after segmental skin stimu-contralateral postcentral area after segmental skin stimulation. This method records the total sensory system. The results received from normal persons and patients demonstrate that this riskless method is suitable for localization of peripheral neurogenic cerebral and especially localized spinal diseases. With the aid of cauda equina neurography additionally a new possibility is indicated to encircle the area of damage in the cases of lumbosacral root affections.


[Intensive care of surgical patients].

[Intensive care of surgical patients]. It is reported on the management of seriously ill patients in a critical care unit. Special attention is drawn to shock. For better intensive care, a system analysis has been developed including the cardiac and respiratory systems, AV shunts, capillary bed and peripheral perfusion, central nervous system, kidney, hepato-biliary system, G. I. tract, muscoloskeletal system, electrolytes, and infections. The various systems are extensively discussed. The description also includes the handling of records, the typing of patients, the prediction of outcome, the composition and training of nursing staff, and general guidelines for the management of an intensive care unit.


[Survival chances of vital organs in shock]. The severe pathophysiological changes in shock with subsequent damage to the various organs, such as heart, brain, kidneys and lungs, are discussed. In patients with severe shock every minute counts, and the utmost importance of immediate and appropriate medical aid in such emergencies is stressed.


[Therapeutic acupuncture in gastroenterology]. Acupuncture today has more and more become accepted as an effective therapeutic method and has long overcome the savour of hypnosis and suggestion. For patients suffering from chronic pain due to a variety of conditions, particularly functional diseases, this method often proves to be the only help. We recommend to use acupuncture following extensive diagnostic measures. There is no risk for the patient; a good deal of benefit, however, can be expected.


[Heart-lung machine for babies and infants. Development, experimental and clinical testing]. In order to offer the benefit of open heart surgery to the very early age of even new born babies small shaped extracorporeal circulation facilities has been devised and constructed encouraging now the surgeon to an early anatomical correction of congenital heart disease. This heart-lung-machine is equipped with a sophisticated saftey control guaranteeing either a constant flow or a pressure controlled perfusion. Prior to clinical use it has been tested in extensive experimental series including mock circulation and experiments on dogs. First clinical applications in open heart surgery have been successful.


Oral testosterone, a reappraisal.

Oral testosterone, a reappraisal. A microparticulate form of free testosterone was given orally to 6 hypogonadal men. Plasma levels were followed after a 200-mg dose, and a double-peak effect was observed. This suggests that particles of different sizes were absorbed at different rates. The clinical and biochemical effects were observed over a 2-month period, on a dose of 200 mg twice daily, taken in place of the usual androgen replacement. The results indicate that absorption is not sufficiently reliable for routine use. The large doses required to achieve therapeutic levels, make oral administration of free testosterone impractical.


Renin-aldosterone responsiveness in uncomplicated juvenile-type diabetes mellitus. The changes in plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone concentration (PA) in response to dietary sodium restriction and upright posture were evaluated in 7 patients with juvenile-type, insulin-dependent, uncomplicated diabetes mellitus and in 5 healthy volunteers. All patients had normal blood pressure, 24-hour urine protein excretion and endogenous creatinine clearance. Renal sodium conservation and concentrating ability were grossly normal and 5 patients so tested, had normal renal acidification. PRA and PA were normal in every subject suggesting that abnormalities of the renin-aldosterone axis are late complications of diabetes mellitus usually associated with hypertension and nephropathy or neuropathy.


Calcitonin distribution within pig, sheep and cow thyroid. The distribution of calcitonin within the pig, sheep and cow thyroid was examined by measuring the concentration of the hormone in serial sagittal and transverse 5-mm sections of whole thyroids. It was observed that calcitonin in the pig thyroid was concentrated in the anterior to right lateral parts of the thyroid. Calcitonin was localized in the central region of the sheep thyroid with a relatively lower concentration in the peripheral parts of the gland. In the cow thyroid a uniform distribution of calcitonin was observed. The results of this study indicate a species specific and characteristic distribution of calcitonin within the thyroid of the pig, sheep and cow.


Metabolism of purified and secreted rat prolactin in vitro. The in vitro metabolism of purified (RP-1 standard) and secreted rat prolactin (PRL) was compared using the pigeon crop-sac bioassay and a radioimmunoassay (RIA). The secreted hormone was obtained by incubating rat adenohypophyses in medium 199. The two forms of PRL were incubated in medium 199 without serum or with 20% rat serum. Explants of rat kidney, liver or lactating mammary gland were added to some of the flasks containing the PRL in the different media. In general, the secreted PRL was found to be more readily immunoinactivated than was the purified hormone and incubation with tissues increased the degree of inactivation. Addition of serum or bovine serum albumin to the medium reduced the degree of RIA inactivation. The biological activity of the RP-1 was reduced by incubation with mammary tissue in one experiment. However, with secreted hormone, incubation with tissues resulted in an increase in biological activity. These results indicate that secreted rat PRL is immunologically less stable than the purified pituitary form of the hormone. Furthermore, the loss of immunoactivity of the secreted PRL may be accompanied by 'activation' of its biological activity.


Effects of hCG on serum levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and androstenedione in male mice. The concentrations of testosterone (T), 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5alpha-DHT) and delta4-androstenedione (delta4 A) in the circulating blood were increased by a single subcutaneous injection of 10 IU of hCG in the mouse. The response of androgen synthesis to hCG stimulation was rapid and persisted over a period of 96 h. The increased supply of T to the peripheral organ(s) under the stimulation of hCG might contribute to an increase in circulating 5alpha-DHT. However, the changes in T/5alpha-DHT ratio implies that the stimulation of T and 5alpha-DHT production by hCG were not of the same degree.


Effect of somatostatin on exocrine pancreatic secretion stimulated by pancreozymin-secretin or by a test meal in the dog. In 4 dogs with chronic duodenal and gastric fistulae, exocrine pancreatic function was assessed by cannulating the pancreatic duct and collecting the duodenal contents. Both methods were applied in each animal. Pancreatic secretion was stimulated by infusion of 2 CHR units of pancreozymin and secretin or by administration of a liquid test meal, injected into the stomach through the gastric fistula. During both experiments 3.5 microgram/kg somatostatin was given as bolus injection followed by an infusion of 3.5 microgram/kg/h. Somatostatin caused a significant reduction in protein and amylase output and in the bicarbonate concentration during stimulation with pancreozymin-secretin. Volume and bicarbonate slightly decreased but not to a significant extent. Duodenal volume and the duodenal activities of trypsin and amylase were significantly reduced during test meal stimulation and somatostatin infusion. Somatostatin is a potent inhibitor of exocrine pancreatic function mainly influencing enzyme secretion.


A new organ spectrophotometer for sensitive dual-wavelength absorbance measurement and spectral scanning of intact perfused organs. 1) A new spectrophotometer was designed and constructed for application in high sensitivity dual-wavelength absorbance and fluorescence measurement and spectral scanning (non corrected) from intact perfused organs, combining advantages of other instruments described in the literature. 2) The time-sharing principle was applied to gain high stability. All optical and electronic components except the light paths of the wavelength modulation system are common to both wave-lengths. For this purpose the logarithmic stage was introduced before demodulation. Stability is about 0.001 A/h and noise about 0.001 A. 3) The performance of the instrument with a biological object, the isolated perfused rat liver, is demonstrated in the dual-wavelength mode and in the spectral scanning mode. Limitations in stability and in time resolution in such an application result from the properties of the biological object, not from the instrument.


On the significance of sialic acid in high affinity 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake by synaptosomes. Synaptosomes isolated from rat brain cortex incorporated [14C]5-hydroxytryptamine at 37 degrees C with high affinity. An apparent transport constant of Kt = 50nM was found. The high affinity uptake was decreased by treatment of synaptosomes with neuraminidase from Vibrio cholerae or Clostridium perfringens prior to incubation with [14C]5-hydroxytryptamine. The inhibition was related to the amount of sialic acid released, with a Ki value of 3.5 micrometer. A non-competitive type of inhibition was observed after treatment with neuraminidase. The inhibition caused by ouabain could not be enhanced by simultaneous treatment with neuraminidase. Neuraminidase did not lower the activity of (Na + K)-ATPase or Mg2-ATPase. These results suggest that sialic acid is involved in the 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake mechanism without functional linkage to the energy pump of the membrane, which maintains the sodium gradient necessary for 5-hydroxytryptamine transport.


Synthesis and application of a new bifunctional amidination reagent. Methyl 4-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzimidate hydrochloride (I) is presented as a newly developed amidination reagent. It is synthesized in two steps from commercially available 4-hydroxybenzonitrile. Its incorporation into proteins can be easily determined spectroscopically. The activities of the three enzymes lactate dehydrogenase (pig heart), alkaline phosphatase (calf intestine) and tryptophan synthase (E. coli) were not greatly reduced after modification with the reagent. The nitro groups can be reduced by mild treatment with Na2S2O4 without alteration of the enzymatic activity. The newly formed aromatic amino groups can further be made to react at lower pH than the native amino groups.


Preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of nuclear RNA. A method is described for the separation of nuclear RNA by preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Separation is performed on a slab gel. The elution chamber system is rectangular. Total nuclear RNA can be fractionated into the prominent RNA species 4 - 7S, 18S and 28S RNA. The less prominent RNA, especially the high molecular weight precursor molecules of ribosomal RNA 45S (Mr = 4.1 X 10(6)) and 32S (Mr = 2.1 X 10(6)) can be separated from the total nuclear RNA without contamination by other RNA. The time needed for a preparative run is 260 min.


Differences in intracellular corrective activity in cultured mannosidosis cells of acidic alpha-mannosidases from various sources. The ability of acidic alpha-mannosidases from pig kidney, bovine liver, human urine and placenta, and jack bean to correct the deranged metabolism of cultured skin fibroblasts from manosidosis patients is studied. One cause for the different corrective abilities are, as shown for other systems, the different rates of endocytosis of the enzyme forms into the cells. Besides this, it is demonstrated for the first time, that there are differences in the intracellular corrective activity of the internalized enzymes, which can be explained by different specificities of the enzymes against the storage material.


An evaluation of the Veterans Administration day hospital program. A study of the day hospital program of the Veterans Administration was aimed at determining how well patients functioned three months after admission in relation to nine treatment goals, and how much they improved between admission and follow-up. The study group consisted of 1410 patients admitted to 34 VA day hospital programs; follow-up interviews were conducted with 70 per cent of them. At follow-up less than 10 per cent of the patients showed significant problems related to delusions, hallucinations, irrelevant speech, suicidal preoccupation, antisocial behavior, drinking, poor hygiene and eating habits, and assaultiveness. However, almost a fourth were significantly withdrawn, about a third were anxious, and three-fifths were not self-supporting. From the perspective of improvement during the three months, the study showed that treatment was helpful in all areas except promoting economic independence; it was most effective in reducing perceptual-cognitive dysfunctioning, emotional distress, and interpersonal difficulties.


Elopement of adolescents: dynamics in the treatment process. The authors believe that an adolescent's elopement from the hospital is often an attempt to communicate with staff. Therefore, by examining the various aspects of the elopement, staff may obtain information that will be valuable for treatment planning. The authors discuss seven of the most frequent causes of elopement, which include discomfort brought about by change, fear of being close to others, rejection of the treatment concept or of treatment staff, anxiety about a lack of external control, and an inability to show change while in the treatment milieu. They present a case illustration of an elopement by a teen-age boy and the messages that the act conveyed.


Reviewing results of psychological tests in a patient group. Believing that much helpful information from psychological test results was not being transmitted to patients, psychologists on a teaching ward at a Veterans Administration hospital began holding group sessions to explain the results of psychological tests to patients. Attendance was voluntary, but 96 per cent of the patients who were tested in a one-year period attended, an average of four or five each session. The psychologist described routine tests and how the results were used and then presented individual test results, giving practical illustrations of the findings and emphasizing patients' strengths and coping styles. Scores from questionnaires administered to patients after they completed the tests and at the end of the group session showed that their attitudes toward tests became more positive after the group session, and that they felt that hearing their own and others' test results had been helpful.


Psychotherapy for the rape victim: some treatment models. A victim of rape immediately feels an acute disruption of her life style and coping skills and a great stress on her ego. In order to achieve long-term integration, she must resolve a lack of trust of men, paranoia about her physical safety, guilt, and a grief reaction. The author reviews several models of therapy, including the traditional psychodynamic approach, the humanistic approach, and the behavioral-cognitive approach, and also some of the literature on crisis theory. She proposes a model for measuring the rape victim's recuperation--a numbered scale of adaptive behavior on which she can advance from the first stage, acute disorganization, to higher levels of behavior. Two important factors influencing the victim's recovery are symptom relief and the support of significant others.


Confidentiality and interagency communication: effect of the Buckley amendment. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, commonly called the Buckley amendment, provides for parental and pupil access to pupil records kept by educational institutions, and requires consent of the parent or pupil for release of such records to other agencies. The authors discuss the provisions of the law and the implications for mental health professionals who work with schools. They present guidelines covering the kinds of information that can appropriately be included in reports sent to schools.