[Clinical significance of kidney imaging in bone scintigraphy]. The results of the examination of 62 patients who had undergone skeletal scintigraphy with 18-F and a urologic examination, were evaluated to determine whether the 18-F incorporation in the kidneys might indicate the presence of renal disease. Patients with and without renal disease demonstrated a similar 18-F incorporation in the kidneys. Our data indicate that a side different 18-F renal activity is without clinical significance.


Comparison of 99mTc-labelled hepatobiliary agents-- 99mTc-pyridoxylidene glutamate (99mTc-PG) and 99mTc-Sn-lidocaine iminodiacetic acid (99mTc-Sn-LIDA). The time-course of excretion of two hepatobiliary radiopharmaceuticals, 99mTc-pyridoxylidene glutamate (99mTc-PG) and 99mTc-Sn-lidocaine iminodiacetic acid (99mTc-Sn-LIDA), from the circulatorysystem to the parenchymal structures, and into the biliary duct and gastrointestinal tract in the same normal human subjects has been studied. The initial blood clearance is faster with 99mTc-Sn-LIDA whereas the initial excretion form the gallbladder to the gut is a little faster with 99mTc-PG. Kidney uptake is seen with both the radiopharmaceuticals, and is a little more with 99mTc-PG.


Lung uptake of colloid during liver-spleen scanning: a normal finding in children. Sixteen (44%) of 36 normal children were observed to have faint lung uptake during liver-spleen scanning with 99mTc sulfur colloid from a commercially available kit. Visible radioactivity in the lungs of children during liver-spleen scanning should not be considered an abnormal finding.


Adrenal scintigraphy with 131-I-adosterol. A new adrenal scanning agent, Adosterol (131I-6beta-iodomethyl-19-norcholest-5(10)-en-3beta-ol) has been evaluated in three female patients with hypercorticism. In one case, characterised by recurrent adrenocortical hyperactivity after bilateral adrenalectomy, a remnant of adrenal tissue was detected. In two other cases, the presence of an adrenal tumour could be excluded. The scan made on the 6th day after the administration of Adosterol was found to be superior in quality to that made on the 13th day.


On the accumulation of 57Co by pancreas. The in vivo distribution of various 57Co-labelled compounds has been studied. 57Co-citrate is concentrated by pancreas and when injected together with ferric citrate the pancreas uptake is increased while it decreases in liver and kidney.


Critical-point drying and gold sputtering as applied to scanning electron microscopy of human reproductive tissues. Improved techniques have been developed for washing, pinning, fixation, dehydration and critical-point drying of tissues of female and male reproductive tracts, gametes, for viewing by scanning electron microscopy. The sputtering method, performed by an ion gun, is applied to shadow and produce a thin film of gold. Technical details and metal coating are noted which are suitable to improve images of surface ultrastructure of cilia and microvilli. Studies using scanning electron microscopy, histological and histochemical techniques, and cinematography are described.


[A functional assessment of the masticatory muscles in mammals and humans]. We have amended and added to Fabian's tables giving a functional assessment of individual masticatory muscles. The data in our tables refer only to the temporalis, masseter, pterygoideus medialis, pterygoideus lateralis and digastricus muscles. The weights of these muscles were determined in three fixed human cadavers and the mean values compared with those of apes, carnivores, herbivores and rodents. In humans, the most powerful masticatory muscle is the M. temporalis, followed by the M. massater, as in apes and carnivores. The M. pterygoideus is also one of the most important. This is remarkable, since in the other groups this muscle occupies the last place. This relative strengthening of the M. pterygoideus lateralis is an important characteristic of the human masticatory apparatus. In humans, the difference between the relative weights of the individual masticatory muscles is not nearly so great as in other mammalian groups. The M. pterygoideus lateralis does lie close behind the other two big adductors (Mm temporalis and masseter) but, as regards power and weight, it hardly differs from the M. pterygoideus medialis and the M. digastricus. In humans the strengthening affects not only the M. pterygoideus lateralis but also the M. digastricus. It would seem that these two masticatory muscles could become the key to the understanding of the specific changes in human mastication.


Lamellated osmiophilic bodies in mouse gallbladder epithelium. Mouse gallbladder epithelium was studied in the electron microscope after glutaraldehyde and osmium tetroxide fixation and Epon embedding. Special attention was paid to dense cytoplasmic bodies. Heterogeneous dense bodies with osmiophilic and loose granular components were identified. Many of these bodies consisted of lamellated osmiophilic structures, similar to the phospholipid bodies of the large alveolar (type II) cells of the mammalian lung. The dense bodies containing the lamellar structures were membrane-limited and 0.5-1.0 mum in diameter. They were located in the supranuclear cytoplasma and were often closely associated with the Golgi apparatus. Acid phosphatase activity was demonstrated within these bodies and in some of the Golgi vacuoles. The contents were disposed in concentric lamellar osmiophilic structures, sometimes appearing as scroll-like configurations. These morphological findings were interpreted as indication of these presence of phosphlipid absorbed from the gallbladder lumen and stored in phagosomes in the central cytoplasm of the gallbladder epithelial cells.


Fluorescence histochemical study of Aurbach's plexus of the ileum of 6-hydroxydopamine-treated guinea pig. In the present investigation the action of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on Auerbach's plexus of the ileum of the guinea pig has been studied with Falck and Hillarp's histochemical technique. A singel dose of 15-25 mg/kg of 6-OHDA causes degeneration of some of the adrenergic nerve fibres after 6 h of treatment. 200-250 mg/kg of 6-OHDA is responsible for the total disappearance of nerve fibres in the ganglia and internodal strands within 24 h. 6 h after 100 mg/kg of 6-OHDA treatment, the intervaricose fibres have mostly disappeared and a few nerve fibres are swollen. The pre-terminal fibres are not much affected. After 24 and 48 h of 100 mg/kg treatment with 6-OHDA, most of the varicose and non-varicose fibres have disappeared and very few fibres are left, these having become intensely fluorescent and much swollen, probably due to the accumulation of storage granules transported to this site by axoplasmic flow. After 6-8 days of treatment with 6-OHDA all the fluorescen fibres and cell bodies have disappeared. A few faintly fluorescent green and yellow cell bodies could also be observed; however, their chemical nature could not be determined.


Enzyme histochemistry of rat interfascicular oligodendroglia, with special reference to 5'-nucleotidase. The interfascicular oligodendroglia of the rat striatum nucleus is studied in control animals and under experimentally induced brain edemas. Enzyme histochemical studies were performed. Normal oligodendrocytes show two different enzymatic distributions. While Mg2+-ATPase, TPPase, TPPase, adenylate cyclase and SDH are shown to be situated at the cell bodies and some proximal processes, 5'-nucleotidase reaction is seen at the cell fine distal processes. In spite of its trong activity in oligodendroglial endings the latter enzyme is not seen at the myelin sheath. This sheath and the interfascicular cells being intimately related, 5'-nucleotidase appears to be important not only during myelination, as almost all authors emphasize, but also in the adult myelin metabolism. Experimental brain edema shows some changes in the interfasicular oligodendroglia enzymatic activites for 5'-nucleotidase, Mg2+-ATPase and adenylate cyclase. A progressive disappearance of the former enzyme is observed. These features and those of derived from local ionic alterations may be concerned with the special susceptibility of white matter for some types of brain swellings.


Effects of intense exercise on intracellular glycogen and fat in pigeon pectoralis. The pigeon pectoralis muscle was electrically stimulated in vivo at a high intensity of 25 V and the intracellular glycogen and fat reserves of the muscle examined histochemically to determine the pattern of substrate utilization in the component broad white and narrow red fibre types during the intense flight-simulated exercise. 4 h of continuous stimulation resulted in the depletion of intracellular glycogen from both fibre types and a simultaneous reduction in the intracellular fat stores of the red fibres. While glycogen provides the only source of energy for the white fibres, glycogen as well as fat serves as fuel for the red fibres. It is postulated that, though fat is the major fuel for the red fibres, their glycogen reserves are utilized to ensure a steady supply of oxaloacetate essential in the oxidation of fatty acids via the Krebs cycle, and that fatty acid catabolism helps to maintain gluconeogenesis.


[Age-specific distribution of beta-glucuronidase and beta-galactosidase in the humeral epiphysis of rats]. The chondrocytes of the humeral epiphysis and of the articular cartilage of newborn, 8-, 30-, and 60-day-old albino rats contain beta-glucuronidase and beta-galactosidase. Both enzymes were found to be rare in the before mentioned cells. The reactions begin in the cells of the column cartilage and of the osteoblasts of the metaphysis on the 8th day of life and demonstrate an additional activity in 40- to 60-day-old animals. The results mark the activity of the degrading enzymes of the carbohydrate metabolism.


[The postnatal development of synapses at the dendrites of rabbit mitral cells]. Olfactory bulbs from 4 specimen of the 1st, 4th, 6th, 9th and 60th postnatal day were used. Relative mature unidirectional and reciprocal synapses are present at the mitral cell dendrites already at the first day. During postnatal development the amount of electrondense postsynaptic material increase. The vesicles were always spheric; their number increase significantly with age only at granule cell side of the reciprocal synapses. Length and width of the synaptic cleft do not change with age.


Electron-microscopic identification of amoeboid microglia in the spinal cord of newborn rats. Electron-microscopic studies in the spinal cord of neonatal rats show, though rarely, the existence of amoeboid microglial cells. The cells are distributed singly and are found only in the spinal grey matter. They are characterized by having a round, prominent nucleus with peripheral chromatin clumps. The cytoplasm is endowed with a well-developed Golgi complex, and isolated profiles of rough endoplasmic reticulum. One striking feature of the cytoplasm is the presence of abundant lysosome-like granules. The cytoplasm, which is of moderate density, may be vacuolated. The surface of the cells often sends out pseudopodium-like processes. These, together with the presence of occasional phagosomes, indicate that the amoeboid cells are phagocytic. Thus, it is possible to generalize from the present and earlier findings that amoeboid microglial cells are normal cellular constituents in the maturing central nervous system and their temporary existence in the neonatal stage indicates the necessity of these cells for subsequent maturation of the nervous tissue.


Morphological, histochemical, autoradiographic and topographical evidences of the origin of the Langerhans' cell from the melanocyte in the skin of the guinea pig. The microscopic anatomy of the nucleus, Golgi substance, mitochondria, etc. of type 1, 2, 3 and 4 albino melanocytes, type 01 and 011 albino intermediate cells of Billingham and Medawar and type I, II, III and IV albino Langerhans' cells of the albino guinea pig, is presented in detail. The study has demonstrated that the albino melanocytes degenerate through sequential stages of intermediate cells of Billingham and Medawar, type I, II and III Langerhans' cells to ultimately from type IV Langerhans' cells. It has been shown that all the dendritic cells of the epidermis belonged to one class of cells. Autoradiographic techniques have shown that type 3 and type 4 melanocytes, respectively, bearing 6 and 5 round-tipped dendritic processes, divide by mitosis to form two daughter cells. One of these two daughter forms the intermediate cell of Billingham and Medawar. This cell, while transforming sequentially into type I, II, III and IV Langerhans' cells, moves up through the Malpighian and granular layers of cells, to the stratum corneum. This type IV Langerhans' cell is ultimately extruded out of the stratum corneum by exfoliation. The other daughter melanocyte remains at its place in the sub-basal zone to function as a mature melanocyte. The time for the passage of the daughter melanocyte to travel from the sub-basal zone to the stratum corneum layer was found to be 15 days.


Effect of ethanol on subcellular metal distribution in rat liver. The effect of ethanol on the subcellular distribution of Mn, Cu, Zn, Mg and Cr in rat liver has been investigated. Significant changes in Mg, Zn and Mn distribution have been observed. No change in the microsomal Mn, Cu, Zn, Mg and Cr content has been found.


The antitumor activity of certain substituted nucleosides. Tests were made of the antitumor activity against lymphoid leukemic L 5178 Y cells in vitro, as exhibited by the following compounds: 2'-O-methyl-araC, 5'-0-methyl-araC, N4,2'-O-dimethyl-araC, N4-methyl-araC, 2,2'-anhydro-5'-O-methyl-araC, N4-methyl-2,2'-anhydro-araC, 4-thio-2,2'-anhydro-araU and 5-amino-araU being a new analogue or araC. The synthesis of the latter compound is described. The activity of 5-amino-araU was tested also in vivo against L 1210 mouse leukemia. O'-Alkylation, N4-exo-alkylation and the change in the amino group position from 4 to 5 abolishes the susceptibility of the above analogues to cytidine deaminase but at the same time it substantially reduces their cytotoxic activity. It was shown that 5-ethyl-2'-deoxyuridine inhibits 14 and 26% in vitro the growth of L 5178 Y cells at concentrations 10(-6) and 10(-5) M, respectively. The possible biological significance of the latter compound is discussed.


Central effects of prostaglandins F2alpha and E1. In male Wistar rats PGF2alpha or PGE1 were injected intracerebroventricularly (icv) in a dose of 1 or 10 mug. Immediately or 1 hr after injection the locomotor and exploratory activity were measured. The levels of noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA) 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and acetylcholine (Ach) were measured in discrete brain areas. Both PGs applied ivc caused the depression of locomotor and exploratory activity in rats. PGE1 acted longer. Both substances but PGE1 more intensively affected the level of estimated biogenic amines in different brain structures. It is concluded that PGF2alpha and E1 are central nervous depressants. Both PGs affect neurons producing NA or 5-HT or Ach in discrete areas of brain in different manner. There is different susceptibility of brain structures on PGs action.


Studies on antilipolytic activity of antipyretics. Part II. Influence of sodium salicylate, aminophenazone, and acetophenidin on lipolysis stimulated by noradrenaline and aminophylline in vitro. Lipolysis, expressed as muEq of FFA released from 1 g of epidydymal fat tissue per hour, was stimulated by noradrenaline (NA) and aminophyline. Sodium salicylate inhibited the lipolysis stimulated by NA, but not by aminophylline. Aminophenazone and acetophenidin inhibited the lipolysis stimulated either by NA or by aminophylline. The antipyretics inhibited stimulated lipolysis in a non-competitive manner. The results suggest an important role of the action of antipyretics on lipolysis in their hypothermizing action.


Lesions of midbrain raphe and ethanol narcosis in rats. Serotonin -- depleting lesions involving nucleus raphe medianus markedly prolonged ethanol-induced sleep in rats. Lesioned animals showed increased general activity and decreased serotonin and 5-hydroxy-indoleacetic acid concentrations in the forebrain.


Central action of prostaglandin F2alpha on circulatory system in rats. PGF2alpha administered into the lateral brain ventricle of anesthetized rats caused an increase of the blood pressure and heart rate. Reserpine, chemical sympathectomy of the CNS with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), atropine, and vagotomy weakened the central action of PGF2alpha on the peripheral circulation. Propranolol and phenoxybenzamine exerted no influence. Neither reserpine nor 6-OHDA changed the influence of iv injected PGF2alpha on the circulation. The results of the experiments indicate to the participation of the central catecholamines in the mechanism of central action of the PGF2alpha on the circulatory system.


Behavioural effects of dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine in centrally chemosympathectomized rats. In rats central chemical sympathectomy (CCS) was elicited by intracerebro-ventricular (icv) injection of two doses of 250 mug of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) at 48 hr interval. 7 days after the last injection when full CCS is developed, 10 mug of dopamine (DA) or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were applied icv and locomotor and exploratory activity and irritability of animals were measured. CCS reversed the depressive effect of DA on the locomotor and exploratory activity, and intensified irribability of animals. It intensified the effect of 5-HT on the exploratory activity without changing the others observed behavioral parameters. It is concluded that CCS changes reactivity of central nervous system of pharmacological effects of DA and slightly affects the central response to 5-HT.


Analysis of drug decomposition products. Part 34. Gas chromatography method for quantitative determination of METET in the presence of its sulfoxide. Gas chromatographic method for the determination of METET in the presence of its oxydation product sulfoxide was worked out. The gas chromatographic conditions were: gas chromatograph--Chrom4CSSR,FID,N2-flow20--30cm3/min glass, column 100 cm, phi 0-2 cm, 10% SE-30 on Chromosorb W 100/120 mesh, temp. 180--200 degrees C. The determination was carried by means of internal standard (phenylbutazone--PhB--1,2-diphenyl 4n-butyl pyrazolidino-3,5-dione or aminophenazone--APh--1-phenyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-dimethylamino-pyrazolone-5) and the calibration curve was prepared. The ratio of peak heights for the determined comound and the standard was considered. The error of the METET determination expressed as standard percentage deviation was sr = 2--3% at n = 10.


Derivatives of 2-hydroxy-4-mercapto-6-methylpyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid. II. Pirazolo-[3,4-d]-pyrimidine and hydrazinopyrimidine. Heating of 2-hydroxy-4-mercapto-6-methylpyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid 1 with hydrazine or its derivatives in ethanolic solution gave 4-hydrazino derivatives 10--12. However, at 150--160 degrees in the absence of a solvent after decarboxylation the 4-hydrazino derivatives 13 and 14 were formed. Under similar conditions form 2 (the ethyl ester of 1), 4-methylpyrazole-[3,4-d]-5(H)-pyrimidine-3,6-dione and the corresponding 1--substituted derivatives 3,7,8 of this ring system were obtained. These compounds were easily chlorinated (POCl3/PCl5) in 6 and 3 and 6 position. Compounds 3 and 7 have strong cytostatic activity in vitro and in vivo, compound 13 acts as virostatic and antiinflammatory.


Studies on the polymorphism of barbital. Crystalline samples of barbital obtained by isothermal crystallization from various solvents or by sublimation were analysed. Morphological, thermomicroscopical, thermal, IR, density and initial dissolution rate studies were carried out. X-ray analysis according to Debye-Scherrer was realised after 9-month storage of samples at room conditions. The ability of barbital to form polymorphic modifications was confirmed but the conclusions of previous works were discussed. It was found that the stability of metastable crystal structures II, III and IV was high enough to make them commercially feasible.


Derivatives of 3-p-chlorophenyl-3-oxopropane and 3-p-chlorophenyl-3-hydroxypropane-1-carboxylic acids. Starting from gamma-chlorophenyltetrahydro- and gamma-chlorophenyldihydro-furan-2-ones (2 and 12), some new amides and hydrazides of the acids mentioned in the title were prepared (Table 1 and 2). Of the obtained compounds the following 10, 14, 15, 17, 20--23 show central depressant action.


An attempt to correlate the development of tolerance to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and d-amphetamine with their subcellular distribution in rat brain. The daily application in rats of d-amphetamine during 4 weeks in increasing doses from 16-80 mg/kg/day developed a tolerance. The quantitative evaluation of the relative accumulation of unchanged d-amphetamine in different subcellular brain fractions estimated with 3H labelled d-amphetamine showed that the development of tolerance to amphetamine is not associated with a decreased accumulation of the unchanged drug in any subcellular fraction of the brain. Synthetic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was injected (10 mg/kg) to rats twice daily. After the 9th injection the intensity of the initial depressant effect was approximately similar to that after one injection but completely disappeared after 3 hrs of treatment. The specific activities of delta-9-THC and its metabolites in brain subcellular fractions were estimated with use of 3H-delta-9-THC. The tolerance to delta-9-THC in contrast to amphetamine seems to be mainly metabolic.


The effect of intrahippocampal administration of dopamine or apomorphine on EEG of limbic structures in the rabbit brain. The effect of intrahippocampal injections of dopamine or apomorphine on the energy level of EEG from limbic structures in the rabbit was investigated. The EEG was recorded from gyrus cinguli anterior, hippocampus dorsalis, nucleus amygdalae, hypothalamus medialis, and nucleus caudatus. Both apomorphine and dopamine in doses used produced stimulatory effects. The effect of apomorphine did not appear after pretreatment with haloperidol (2 or 24 hr, 1 mg/kg sc). This suggests the presence of dopamine receptors of stimulatory type in the dorsal part of rabbit hippocampus. The data confirm the prolonged action of haloperidol.


Effects of inhibitors of the catecholamine synthesis on motor activity in the rat during light and darkness. Under controlled conditions of light and darkness (12:12 hrs) the influence of inhibitors of the tyrosine-hydroxylase (alpha-MT) and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (FLA 63) on motor activity were investigated in male Wistar rats at different times of the day. Simultaneously, turnover experiments of the cerebral noradrenaline and dopamine were performed, which revealed diurnal variations within 24 hrs of a day. Both inhibitors showed clear-cut chronopharmacological differences in influencing motor activity, and a phase shift between the darkness-induced increase in motor activity and the maximum turnover rate of the cerebral dopamine was observed.


Effects of stimulation of raphe nuclei on ponto-geniculo-occipital syndrome evoked by reserpine in cats. Stimulation of the dorsal raphe nucleus in the cat caused inhibition of ponto-geniculo-occipital waves induced by reserpine. Electrical stimuli with frequency of 10/sec. caused stronger effect than low-frequency impulses. The results indicate the PGO generating mechanisms (related probably with noradrenergic neurons of the nucleus locus coeruleus is suppressed by raphe nuclei.


Influence of kinins on amphetamine activity. Bradykinin (2 mug ivc) or kallikrein (40 U/kg) inhibited the stimulatory psychomotoric action of a low (0.5 mg/kg) dose of amphetamine, and potentiated the action of a high (2 mg/kg) dose of the drug. A treatment with bradykinin and the low dose of amphetamine reduced the noradrenaline and enhanced the serotonin level in the striatum, and lowered the dopamine content in the cortex, while a combined treatment with the high dose of amphetamine elevated the dopamine level in the striatum and hypothalamus and depressed the serotonin level in the midbrain.


Observations on the treatment of dissection of the aorta. The results are presented of treatment in twenty-three patients with dissection of the thoracic aorta, in four of whom it was acute (less than 14 days' duration), and in nineteen chronic (more than 14 days' duration). Sixteen patients had Type I and II dissection (involving the ascending aorta) and five Type III  (descending aorta at or distal to the origin of the left subclavian artery); in two, dissection complicated coarctation of the aorta in the usual site. Thirteen patients had aortic regurgitation. Three of the patients with acute dissection were treated medically; two, both with Type I dissection, died, and the third, with Type III, survived. The remaining acute patient was treated surgically and also died. Of the patients with chronic dissection, eight were treated medically and eleven surgically. None of the medical group died in hospital; three died between 3 months and 1 year, and five have survived from periods of 12-72 months. Eleven patients with chronic dissection were treated surgically; four died in hospital at or shortly after operation; and the remaining seven lived for periods of 12-84 months. The presentation, indications for surgical treatment and results are discussed. It is concluded that surgical treatment of chronic dissection may carry a higher initial mortality than medical, but that there may be slightly better overall long term results in the former. As this series was not selected randomly, because patients with complications were selected for surgery, and there are only a few patients in each group, the results do not permit firm conclusion regarding the relative merits of medical and surgical treatment. It is suggested that all patients should initially be treated medically but that surgical treatment should be considered if the dissection continues, if aortic regurgitation is severe, if an aneurysm develops or enlarges, if cardiac tamponade develops or there is evidence of progressive involvement of the branches of the aorta. Attention is drawn to the important syndrome of chronic dissecting aneurysm of the ascending aorta with severe aortic regurgitation which requires definitive surgical treatment and aortic valve replacement. The importance of adequate visualization of the origin and extent of the dissection as a preliminary to surgical treatment is stressed.


Studies on the central activity of kinins. The influence of bradykinin and kallikrein on the levels of noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) as well as the influence of bradykinin on the levels of normetanephrine, homovanillic (HVA) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic (5-HIAA) acids were investigated in different parts of the brain (cerebellum, corpus striatum, cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, medulla oblongata and midbrain). Kinins decrease the levels of NA and DA and their metabolites, and increase the level of 5-HT and 5-HIAA, expecially in corpus striatum and hypothalamus. The results of these investigations correlate with previously reported behavioural effects of kinins.


Effects of lesions of monoaminergic system in the brain on the hypotensive effects of clonidine in rats. Bilateral lesions of the locus coeruleus markedly reduced hypotensive effects of clonidine in rats. Lesions shifted laterally did not evoke any significant change of the hypotensive effects of clonidine or bradycardia induced by it. Lesions of the ventral and dorsal noradrenergic tract at the midbrain level and lesions of the midbrain raphe area failed to change hypotensive response to clonidine.


A blood pressure clinic in a health centre. Following a screening survey for hypertension in Renfrew, a blood pressure clinic was established in a health centre. Three hospital doctors, each working an average of two sessions weekly, saw 368 patients. A specially trained nurse played an important part in the running of the clinic. Attendance of patients was high, and defaulting amongst those needing treatment was low. Blood pressures were well controlled in 75% of the patients. The clinic has proved an acceptable method of managing large numbers of hypertensives without reference to hospital.


Antidepressant blood levels in acute overdose. Plasma antidepressant levels and clinical condition were measured sequentially for at least 24 hr in eight patients who presented with acute antidepressant overdosage. There was no evidence to suggest that a knowledge of the drug plasma levels had anything to offer in the management of a patient whose overdose included a tricyclic antidepressant.


The influence of angiotensin on central effect of acetylcholine in rats. The influence of angiotensin on the central action of acetylcholine was studied in rats. It was shown that the action of acetylcholine was enhanced in animals treated simultaneously with angiotensin. Above phenomena were accompanied with the increase of "free" and "bound" acetylcholine in the brain of angiotensin treated rats. These observations indicate an interaction between angiotensin and acetylcholine in the CNS.


Influence of fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) on the central action of acetylcholine. Depressive behavioral effects of acetylcholine (10 mug ivtr) and physostigmine (0.3 mg/kg ip), and prolongation of the duration of electrogenic seizures produced by the drugs were prevented by intraperitoneal or intraventricular administration of FDP (0.5 mg/kg or 5 mug resp.). The peptides did not affect the brain acetylcholine level and did not influence the inhibitory effect of physostygmine on AChE activity.


Scleritis and temporal arteritis.

Scleritis and temporal arteritis. Thirty consecutive patients with severe scleritis or episcleritis were  admitted as in-patients to the Medical Ophthalmology Unit and assessed for systemic disease. There were seventeen women and thirteen men. The mean age was 53 with a median of 57 (range 23-83). Eighteen of the patients had scleritis: eleven of these had evidence of connective tissue disease and three of them had temporal arteritis. Twelve patients had episcleritis: six of them had a collagen disease and one of them developed temporal arteritis. This high incidence of temporal arteritis in association with scleritis has not been previously reported. It is important to diagnose and treat overt temporal arteritis early with parenteral steroids so that ischaemic papillopathy can be avoided. A higher incidence of collagen diseases than previously described is reported in episcleritis. It is thought that this is secondary to selection since patients with the usual self-limiting episcleritis are not normally referred for further in-patient investigation. In no patient was more than one significant diagnosis made. There was no significant medical illness in only 11% of patients with scleritis and 33% of patients with episcleritis. The majority of the non-collagen diseases (e.g. hypertension) were not previously recognized. In none of the patients with temporal arteritis was the diagnosis made before admission. It is concluded that full examination and investigation for underlying disease is indicated in both scleritis and severe episcleritis.


The results of 100 small tissue biopsies of testis in male infertile patients. The value of testicular biopsy in male infertility has recently been emphasized by Meinhard, McRae and Chisholm (1973), and the present authors agree with them that a biopsy is essential for the following reasons: (1) to establish a firm diagnosis; (2) to rationalize therapy on the basis of histological findings; (3) new developments in drug therapy and electronmicroscopic techniques will help to clarify many areas of doubt and uncertainty in this difficult field; (4) the diagnosis of 'sloughing' by itself may mask changes in germinal cell development which may be amenable to hormone therapy.


Calculus disease of the urinary tract at a district hospital. At a District General Hospital the organization of a clinic for the investigation and treatment of patients with calculus disease of the urinary tract is described. The way in which such a clinic may be orgainzed is discussed and the results presented. In patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria, sodium cellulose phosphate causes a significant reduction in urinary calcium levels when used in such a clinic.


Penetration of digoxin into cerebrospinal fluid. The concentration of digoxin in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of ten patients receiving conventional oral doses of this cardiac glycoside has been measured by a radioimmunoassay technique. Digoxin was undetected in eight patients and barely detectable in two, suggesting the presence of a significant blood-CSF barrier for digoxin. The implication of these findings is discussed.


The empty sella syndrome.

The empty sella syndrome. The empty sella syndrome (ESS) presents a varied clinical and radiographic picture. It may remain asymptomatic or may stimulate an intrasellar growth thereby causing diagnostic and therapeutic problems. An air encephalogram (AEG) is required for diagnosis. The purpose of this paper is to review the clinical and radiological features of the ESS and to discuss the pathogenetic mechanisms involved.


Hereditary nephritis (with unusual renal histology): report of a first case from the West Indies. A 21-year-old Grenadian girl undergoing investigation in Trinidad for anaemia was diagnosed as a case of hereditary nephritis. She had the clinical features of a nephropathy, nerve deafness and an ocular defect. Renal histology was exceptional in that in addition to the typical findings of a hereditary nephritis, cystic areas generally associated with medullary cystic disease were noted. Several members of the patient's maternal family were afflicted with either deafness visual distrubances or renal disease.


Obstructive cholecystitis due to metastatic melanoma. A patient with isolated metastases from cutaneous melanoma to the gall-bladder is reported. The patient presented clinically with obstructive cholecystitis. The course of melanoma is unpredictable and the possibility that an apparently unassociated condition is due to metastases should always be considered. Isolated metastases may respond well to radical surgery and reward the surgeon's efforts.


Abetalipoproteinaemia. A case report with pathological studies. The clinical and pathological features of a case of abetalipoproteinaemia in a 38-year-old patient are described in detail. A feature not previously recorded was a marked reduction in the velocity of ocular horizontal saccadic movements. Pathological studies revealed an active chronic demyelinating process. The patient showed no response to large doses of vitamin E. The rationale for this therapy, and the possible reasons for its failure are discussed.


Drug-induced hyponatraemia in psychogenic polydipsia. Two patients with psychogenic polydipsia developed hyponatraemia, one in association with administration of hydrochlorothiazide and the other with that of tolbutamide. It is suggested that the increased fluid intake in such patients may make them more susceptible to the development of hyponatraemia from thiazide or sulphonylurea compounds.


Familial anglo-oedema--a particularly severe form. A case of hereditary angio-oedema is described together with the family history and manifestations in the father of the patient. The problems encountered in his management are discussed, including tracheostomy and genetic counselling.


Spontaneous rupture of the spleen in infectious mononucleosis. Two cases of spontaneous rupture of the spleen as a complication of infectious mononucleosis are reported. The literature is briefly reviewed and emphasis placed on the need for awareness of this rare complication.


Does coronary surgery prolong life in comparison with medical management? This analysis attempts to utilize natural history controls to answer the question as to whether coronary surgery prolongs life in comparison to medical management. Selected natural history studies are compared and contrasted in an effort to obtain an average survival curve for patients with coronary artery disease comparable to those presently being operated. The Duke University Medical Center series of concurrent operated and non-operated patients is reviewed to demonstrate the difference of prognosis of patients with coronary artery disease and the complexities involved in answering the question. It is concluded that, on average, coronary surgery does not prolong life in comparison to medical management over the span of 2-5 years. There may be certain higher risk patients whose lives may be prolonged by aortocoronary bypass surgery but more patients and more prolonged follow-up are needed fully to answer the question.


Idiopathic cervical and retroperitoneal fibrosis: report of a case treated with steroids. Retroperitoneal fibrosis in a 12-year-old boy is reported. This was associated with a fibrotic mass in the neck which resolved spontaneously. Right-sided ureteric obstruction responded to treatment with steroids.


[Estimation of cardio-respiratory energy reserves by ergometric exploration]. Beyond the usual respiratory functional tests, ergometry represents a complementary test, yielding much information on the functioning of the lung-heart system. Simultaneous recording, studying and comparing different respiratory and haemodynamic functional parameters during effort, provides an objective appreciation of the cardio-respiratory energetic reserve. Such a study is necessary to estimate a functional handicap and to understand the pathophysiological alterations of the cardio-respiratory system. The estimation of energetic reserve based on the simultaneous study of multiple respiratory and circulatory parameters also provides valuable information. Ergometry is of equal value in the estimation of operating risks in pulmonary surgery. Information drawn from more than 600 ergometric tests composed of simultaneous recording of 8 parameters (heart rate, ECG, pulse volume, spirogram, ventilation per minute, SAO2, capnogram, right ventricular pressure) have confirmed the great value of this method in pulmonary medicine.


[Spontaneous pneumothorax in the adult. Problems of its development and treatment (apropos of 124 cases)]. The authors report their experience of the evolution and treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax in the adult, in a series of 124 cases, starting from January 1965 to May 1975. Recurrences occur in 27% of cases whatever therapeutics are used. They discuss frequency and modality in relation to the etiology and the proposed treatment of pneumothorax.


[71 pulmonary hamarto-chondromas].

[71 pulmonary hamarto-chondromas]. Seventy-one hamarto-chondromas were operated on at the Centre Chirurgical Marie-Lannelongue from January the 1st 1958 to September the 1st 1975. Pulmonary hamarto-chondroma is always a slowly evolving benign tumour, usually found in patients between 40 and 60, and twice as frequent in males as in females. There are two different kinds. 1) Intraparenchymal hamarto-chondromas, which have a noteworthy clinical latency and in 2 cases out of 3 are situated anteriorly and peripherally. The usual treatment consists of simple enucleation. 2) Endobronchial hamarto-chondromas, on the other hand, have a striking symptomatology of bronchial obstruction. If operated on after some delay, they will cause the destruction of distal parenchyma. Treatment depends on their topography. Segmental resection is often the sole recourse.


[Value of echotomography in pleuro-pulmonary pathology]. Echotomography based on the use of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool, little used until now in pleuropulmonary pathology, seems interesting and valuable and diserves to be counted amongst the various paraclinical examinations. Out of a hundred patients, we obtained the following results: -- 91.7% success in the needle biopsies done after echotomography. -- 84.4% success in exploring peripheral pulmonary tumor. -- 100% success in plotting: pleural thickening in which figures obtained with ultrasounds are very close to those obtained directly by needle. Echotomography in pleuropulmonary pathology has the following indications: -- for pleura effusions, pleural thickening and tumors; -- for pulmonary parenchyma: evolving or stable, solid or liquid masses, that are close enough to the thoracic wall; -- for mediastinum: lesions localized in the anterior mediastinum and related to the sternocostal wall. In all these cases echotomography brings valuable complementary information, sometimes allowing the location of fibrohyalin pleural plaques of asbestosis invisible on X rays. By combining a wider experience and the perfectioning of the equipment, this method could become a common practice in pleural pathology and thoracic oncology.


[Controlled hypotension by sodium nitroprusside during neuroleptanalgesia, halothane-and enflurane anaesthesia at neurosurgical and maxillary-face-surgical operations (author's transl)]. A new sodium-nitroprusside-preparation (Nipruss) was tested in 40 patients for a controlled hypotension in neurosurgical as well as maxillary- and face-surgical operations. Differences between the phases of hypotension by Nipruss were pointed out for NLA, halothane- and enflurane-narcosis. An initial hypotension of -48 per cent, caused by Nipruss, was accompanied by an increase of the cardiac frequency of +33 per cent. This was dependent on the different methods of anaesthesia. The doses necessary for an average permanent hypotension of -36 per cent varied between 1.3 and 22.3mug/kg/min. The results proved, that Nipruss guarantees a diminished blood field even be  used without head-up-position and at moderate hypotension. In combination with halothane and enflurane, hypotension could be regulated easier than with NLA. However, this resulted often in a higher frequencyload of the heart, so that frequently beta-adrenergic blocking drugs had to be administered. The operation conditions were improved, incidents did not occur. The new preparation Nipruss has organizational and hygienic advantages.


[Haemodynamic effects during hypotension with sodium nitroprusside neurosurgery (author's transl)]. Haemodynamic effects during hypotension with sodium nitroprusside in the surgery of cerebral aneurysms were studied in 16 patients. Sodium Nitroprusside caused arterial hypotension by a direct vascular musculotropic effect and it was found to reduce peripheral vasculare resistance, and to lower the bloodpressure in the right atrium and pulmonary arteries. Stroke volume decreased in the presence of tachycardia while there was no change in cardiac output. Its evanescent action and easy regulation make sodium nitroprusside suitable for controlled hypotension during cerebral surgery, especially since there are no negative haemodynamic effects.


[Dosage problems of sodium nitroprusside (author's transl)]. Sodium nitroprusside has proved a useful completion of anaesthesiologist's armament. Nevertheless there still exist some doubts concerning correct dosage. This uncertainity is aggravated by communications in literature about fatal outcomes of hypotensions induced with this drug. For the patient's safety, we recommend not to exceed an infusion rate of 15mcg/kg/minute or a total of 1.5-3mg/kg irrespective of the time of administration. In any case the development of metabolic acidosis or the occurence of tachyphylaxis or resistance should be a strong argument for discontinuing nitroprusside and changing to an other method of hypotensive anaesthesia. A useful aid is the control of infusion rate by the IVAC-531-machine.


[Cardiodepressive effects due to ketamine, etomidate, methohexitone and propanidid. A clinical study by means of the systolic-time-intervals (author's transl)]. The cardiodepressive effects of ketamine (1mg/kg), etomidate (0.3mg/kg), methohexitone (1mg/kg) and propanidid (4mg/kg) have been compared by means of the systolic time intervals on patients during a steady-state halothane--N2O:02(1.1)-- anaesthesia. This anaesthesia served as a pharmacological model of reduced myocardial function, and moreover, it should block the centrally-elicited cardiac stimulation by ketamine, thus unmasking the direct negative inotropic action of this anaesthetic. Ketamine and etomidate are of lesser cardiac depressant action than methohexitone or even propanidid. Diazepam (0.2-0.25mg/kg) proved to be able to attenuate or abolish, respectively, the ketamine-induced increases of heart rate and blood pressure in normo- and hypertensive patients, and might therefore be useful for induction anaesthesia in cardiac and coronary risk patients, as proved on two patients with recent myocardial infarction.


[Ethrane in anaesthesia for children--measurement of cardiac output by impedance-cardiography (author's transl)]. Ethrane permits a very smooth and quick introduction of anaesthesia per inhalationem without signs of any excitation due to its physical properties. Because of its low analgesic property it was necessary to administer nitrous oxide. After the interruption of Tthrane--administration our patients awoke without any nausea or vomiting. In our study we measured stroke-volume and cardiac output during and after Ethrane anaesthesia using the IFM-Minnesota Impedance Cardiograph 304 A. In the first ten minutes of anaesthesia we found a 23 per cent-decrease of strokevolume, a 19 per cent cardiac output-decrease whereas the heartrate rose slightly. Any further significant changes of these parameters up to the end of anaesthesia were not detectable. Already two minutes after the end of Ethrane-administration all parameters had reached their initial values.


[Malignant hyperthermia, chronic alcoholism and tubular aggregates (author's transl)]. A 24-year-old chronic alcoholic survived malignant hyperthermia which developed in connection with maxillo-facial operation. Electron-microscopic investigations of muscle biopsies disclosed so called tubular aggregates. The possible relations between these structures and the occurrence of malignant hyperthermia on the basis of an alcoholic myopathy are discussed. People suffering from idiopathic recurrent myoglobinuria have to be regarded as patients-at-risk.


[Halothane concentrations in the atmosphere of a paediatric operating theatre (author's transl)]. Determinations were made of the halothane concentrations in the air of a paediatric operating theatre during operations. They averaged 5-30 p.p.m. with peaks of 50-70 p.p.m. during induction. The inhalation of halothane vapour was confirmed by demonstrating bromine metabolites in the urine of the operating room personnel. The risk attendant on chronic exposure to halothane vapour should be prevented by the installation of suitable systems for the removal of excess anaesthetic vapours.


[Perforation of the right ventricle by a central venous catheter (author's transl)]. Two letal iatrogenic cardiac perforations by a subclavian catheter are reported. The cause of this rare but most serious complication is based on the sliding down of a subclavian catheter left in for 9 days in one case, in the other one on the introduction of a polyvinyl-catheter into the right ventricle.


[Identification of the epidural space by air-fluid reflux (author's transl)]. Detection of the epidural space by Dogliotti's method with a Tuohy needle (inner gauge 1.6mm) is followed by introduction of 3.0-5.0 ml of test solution and rapid injection of 3.0-5.0 ml air with a 5.0ml syringe. After the introduction of the air, the syringe is immediately removed from the needle. Location of the needle tip in the epidural space is marked by air bubbles coated by a thin fluid film, which hang over the hub of the needle and then burst. In some instances a slight wheezing can be heard as the air introduced into the epidural space comes out. The air-fluid reflux is determined by the elasticity of the dura and points always at the location of the tip of the needle in the epidural space. This sign is present in 95 per cent of the cases. The intensity of the air-fluid reflux depends upon the elasticity of the dura, the diameter of the needle and of the syringe and the force by which the plunger is pushed down.


[A simple system for the removal of excess anaesthetic vapours for use with the Jackson-Rees modification of Ayres' T-Piece (author's transl)]. Details are given of the arrangement and functioning of a simple anti-pollution system for use with anaesthetic apparatus without re-breathing.


[A plastic lumbar puncture needle for epidural analgesia (author's transl)]. A new technique for epidural analgesia is described which involves the use of a plastic cannula through which the catheter is passed into the extradural space. The method was used in 10 cases. The advantages and disadvantages of the technique and possible improvements are discussed.


[Arthrodesis of the hip using a cobra plate. Comments on preliminary reports]. Authors report 50 arthrodesis of the hip joint with AO cobra-plate, and consider that it's a difficult procedure that will be performed by capable surgeons. The complications are infections (26 per cent), inestability after surgery with bend and break of implants  occasioned by bad surgery. The most important badness was found by modifying the steps of the precise technique and our opinion is to perform exactly the arthrodesis of the hip joint as the AO group to obtain successful results (88 per cent).


[Value of fetal hemoglobin in the diagnosis of neoplastic diseases]. In base of the actual interest on certain substances which measured in blood indicate the possible existence of neoplasic processes and because the elevation of fetal hemoglobin in patients with neoplasms or "pre-malignant" diseases, the authors of this paper decided investigate the levels of fetal hemoglobin in patients with neoplasic diseases, with and without treatment, comparing it with that obtained from a control group of healthy individuals or with infectious diseases, colagenopathies or bening tumours.


The problem of the class iii malocclusion. The etiology and treatment of Class III malocclusion has been discussed. The value of electromyographic assessment in the assessment and prediction of Class III malocclusion has been shown.


Effects of angiotensin on drinking.

Effects of angiotensin on drinking. A series of four experiments was carried out to assess the effects of angiotensin II on drinking elicited by various types of stimulation. Experimental I examined the effects of the interaction of 2 cc/kg of 5% NaCl plus 0.2 mg/kg angiotensin II on ad lib eating and drinking. Results indicate that NaCl plus angiotensin produced an additive enhancement in water consumption. Experiment 2 was conducted to investigate the effects of 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 mg/kg of angiotensin II on drinking and eating in 23 hr water deprived animals. Dose related increases in drinking alone were observed. In Experiment 3 the effects of 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 mg/kg of angiotensin II on schedule dependent lever pressing and schedule induced drinking and licking were determined. Results demonstrate that angiotensin II decreased lever pressing and increased schedule induced water consumption without a concomitant increase in licking. Experimental 4 examined the effects of the same doses of angiotensin II on prandal drinking in food deprived animals. Under these conditions angiotensin II increased water consumption. Results were discussed in terms of the differential effects of angiotensin II on drinking, eating, and schedule dependent lever pressing.


Does the rat with hereditary hypothalamic diabetes insipidus have impaired avoidance learning and/or performance? Avoidance learning and extinction of rats with hereditary hypothalamic diabetes insipidus (Brattleboro strain) were studied in 2 experiments that differed only in shock intensity. In both experiments rats homozygous for diabetes insipidus were more deficient in both escape and avoidance responding than were their heterozygous or normal controls. Although the hterozygous animals showed improved escape performance at the higher shock intensity, their avoidance behavior was not improved. The superiority of normal and heterozygous animals in extinction performance, relative to the homozygous animals, was eliminated or reversed when the differences in terminal acquisition performance were taken into account by analyses of covariance. Deficiency of ADH, therefore, may not result in faster extinction of avoidance behavior.


Effects of alpha-MSH on motivation, vigilance and brain respiration. In a series of experiments designed to assess the effects of alpha-MSH on various motivational processes, it was observed that the hormone can slightly decrease food intake and increase water consumption during the first hr after administration in rats. alpha-MSH also modified avoidance behavior in 1- and 3-day-old chicks, but there were no reliable effects on activity, distress vocalizations and the tonic immobility response. alpha-MSH appeared to modulate the sleep-waking activity of rats, and the most prominent effect was an increase of slow wave sleep during the 2-3 rd hr after treatment. A possible second effect was a homogenization of sleep patterns--with poor sleepers exhibiting increases of activated sleep and good sleepers a reduction. Measurement of in vitro brain oxygen consumption indicated that mice treated with alpha-MSH exhibit an 18% reduction in respiration of the brain stem section which includes the locus coeruleus, but did not reliably change respiration in forebrain cortices. alpha-MSH also produced a modest 14% increase of plasma glucose. These results are discussed in terms of possible modulation by alpha-MSH of activity in central autonomic cell groups such as the locus coeruleus.


[The process of decision in the categorical-nosological classification of depressives syndromes and its importance for the concept of therapy (author's transl)]. Proceeding from the fact psychiatric thinking is very much based on fixed categories we try to study the rigidity of the traditional system of nosological classification of the depressive syndromes. Though an increasing number of colleagues advocates a multiconditional or complex analysis of depressive states in theory and praxis, and in their majority is convinced of an involvement of both endogenous and psychogenic factors in most depressions, this conviction seems not to influence the use of those traditional categories. A classification of endogenous and psychogenic depressions corresponding to the accustomed diagnostical schemes is being applied. The general acceptance of this coercion to an absolute alternative diagnosis reveals us the reign of traditional categories in our mental attitude. Thus, we must aspire to create denotations for a nosological main-group of depressive states that will be interpreted multi-conditional. Such a step would have extensive consequences for our treatment concepts. The traditional alternative diagnostics still suggest the possibility of an alternative therapy and thus mainly tend to a single-track accentuation in either pharmacological or psychological therapy. Provided a better categorial and nosological differentiation of the depressive spectrum, the construction of integrated plans of therapy could be achieved in a more differentiated and better founded way.


[Basler drug- and alcohol-questionnaire. First experiences in the construction of a test instrument for evaluation of dependency of drug-and/or alcohol-consumers (author's transl)]. In order to provide an estimation of the degree of drug and/or alcohol dependency the authors designed a questionnaire. In this paper the basic steps of item analysis, factor analysis and calculation of reliability (split-half-method) are reported. After elimination of 6 items out of 65 the item-metric and factorial characteristics as well as the reliability of the instrument could be judged as satisfactory. On the item level two factor analytical solutions were interpreted. The first one showed one factor covering the general concept of dependency, the second one suggested a 3- dimensional differentiation in terms of 1. negative self-concept, 2. obsessional traits, and 3. addictive illness behavior.


[The time-course of alcohol induced changes in self-rating-scales of mood (author's transl)]. Alcohol was administered in a dose of 0.77 g per kg bodyweight to 16 healthy male subjects in a cross-over-design. A study was made of a number of psychological and physiological variables to determine the modifications that accompany the alcohol-induced changes in the orienting response to an auditory stimulus. Five determinations were made at intervals following a dose of alcohol and five in a control session when no alcohol was given. The results obtained for the psychological variables (self-ratings of the intensity of intoxication and the degree of being startled by the first stimulus; and self-assessment of mood) show alcohol to have stimulant as well as depressant effects. Some of the variables show stimulant effects, mainly at the beginning of the absorption phase, whereas other variables show depressant effects, both in the absorption phase and the postabsorption phase. Changes in physiological variables (such as parameters of electrodermal activity and of the heart rate response) support these findings. The simultaneous presence of both stimulant and depressant effects is pointed out as well as the difficulties in describing these findings in terms of a unidimensional model of activation.


[Attentions, sensumotoric coordination, and angular acceleration threshold under the influence of small doses of alcohol in relation to aspects of personality (author's transl)]. In a parallel cross-over design 22 male students were examined with 0,6 g alcohol per kg of body weight (0,5 o/oo). The dependent variables were attention, sensumotoric coordination angular acceleration threshold, and mood. A number of personality trait factors (FPI, MPI, habit of alcohol and tobacco consumption, body measures) and state factors (subjective state, psychophysiological state) were also measured, others were helf constant (age, sec, intelligence, standardisized breakfest, duration of drinking time, day time, week time). The accelerated concentration of blood alcohol was connected with neuroticism and subjective bad state on day of examination. The accelerated elimination of blood alcohol varried with bad subjective state. Attention, and sensumotoric coordination were significantly (by a BAC of 0,42 o/oo) diminished and the sensitivity of angular acceleration threshold was strongly (by a BAC of 0,30, 0,44, 0,38 and 0,21 o/oo) diminished, connected with a general brightening of mood. Certain personality traits and states may diminish performances with those slight doses of alcohol.


Tissue digoxin concentrations at digoxin intoxication in normal, acutely hypokalemic, and acutely hyperglycemic dogs. Thirty intact dogs were studied to determine digoxin concentration in various tissues after ventricular tachycardia had been induced by digoxin infusion. A control group was infused solely with digoxin. A second group was made acutely hypokalemic by glucose-insulin infusion before the digoxin infusion. A third group was infused with glucose and digoxin to determine the effect of increased blood glucose levels and osmalarity on the induction of ventricular tachycardia. Results were: (1) The amount of digoxin infused to produce ventricular tachycardia did not differ getween the normal and hypokalemic groups. (2) The concentration of digoxin in various parts of the heart, other muscle tissue, renal cortex, and liver did not differ between the normal and acutely hypokalemic dogs although the amount excreted in bile and urine was reduced in hypokalemia. (3) Acute hypokalemia did not sensitize the myocardium to the arrhythmogenic effects of digoxin. (4) Ventricular tachcardia occurred at a similar plasma digoxin level in normal and acutely hypokalemic dogs. (5) In dogs with a lowered plasma potassium level, junctional tachycardia occurred whereas it did not occur in normal dogs or those with only a high blood glucose level. (6) Ventricular tachycardia occurred in the hyperglycemic dogs at a plasma digoxin level of 170 ng/ml, which was significantly greater than in the other experiments (7) Acute hyperglycemia reduced the mean rate of myocaridal uptake of digoxin into atria and right and left ventricular tissue; and the concentration of digoxin in atria, left ventricle, and interventricular septum was lower at the time of ventricular tachycardia than occurred in normal dogs. (8) Lowering the plasma potassium level in the presence of acute hyperglycemia, which occurred with the glucose-insulin infusion, did increase the myocardial uptake of digoxin. Similar effects of hyperglycemia were noted on mean hepatic uptake and excretion of digoxin and also the renal uptake of the glycoside.


Binding of an opiate, levorphanol, to intact neuroblastoma cells in continuous culture. Mouse neuroblastoma cells in continuous culture, incubated for 1 to 2 days in the presence of 10--6 M levorphanol or morphine, were found to become tolerant to and dependent on those biologically active opiates. Examination of the interaction between levorphanol and the whole neuroblastoma cell suggested that levorphanol was binding to stereospecific opiate receptor sites. This binding was time and temperature dependent, and saturable at concentrations greater than 10--5 M levorphanol. Competition by other opiates for levorphanol sites correlated with their biological activity. This is the first evidence for saturable, stereospecific opiate binding in a homogeneous population of unhybridized cells in continuous culture.


On the Comorosan effect.

On the Comorosan effect. A possible explanation for the necessary and sufficient irradiation to produce the controversial Comorosan effect is discussed. Using a modified quantum theory requiring a definition of the relation of four parameters of a light signal instead of the usual two, the lack of superposition of irradiating sources is accounted for as well as the ineffectiveness of all parts of the total visible spectrum. The most effective average wavelength for obtaining the effect is unique merely because of the appropriateness of the bandwidth of the filter. Changing the filter bandwidth in a way related to a change in the average wavelength should produce the effect at other average wavelengths. The storage of energy within the irradiated substance is considered to be due to either a resonance effect with photon annihilation or a Raman effect with photon scattering.


Leukemia and the reducing property of viruses. Investigations of native blood of healthy people and of patients with acute leukemia have shown that the disease might be caused by a strongly reducing substance, which is presumably a virus. Evidence for this conclusion was obtained mainly by electron spin resonance (ESR) studies and by the determination of the catalase activity. ESR spectra of leukemic blood revealed an additional signal not present in spectra of healthy blood. Investigation of different blood fractions has shown that this signal is caused by a species present in the leukocytes only. Addition of reduced glutathione to healthy blood immediately after blood drawing resulted in the same signal. On the contrary, oxidizing substances, such as oxidized glutathione and KMnO4, added to the blood of leukemic patients immediately after its drawing, caused a disappearance of this signal depending on the concentration. Since the strongly reducing substances causes a reduction in the concentration of the oxidizing substances in biological systems, the H2O2 levels should be also affected and, thus, the catalase activity, too. As expected, the activity of this enzyme in the leukemic blood seems to be considerably lower than in healthy blood.


Comparison of X-ray and gamma-ray dose-response curves for pink somatic mutations in Tradescantia clone 02. Microdosimetric data indicate that the mean specific energy, eta, produced by individual charged particles from X-rays and gamma rays is different for the two radiation qualities by nearly a factor of two. In order to test whether this influences the initial, linear component in the dose-effect relations, a comparison was made between dose-response curves for pink somatic mutations in Tradescantia clone 02 stamen hairs following X and gamma irradiations. Absorbed doses ranged from 2.66 to 300 rad.The results are in agreement with predictions made on the basis of microdosimetric data. At low doses gamma rays are substantially less effective than X-rays. The RBE of gamma rays vs. X-rays at low doses was approximately 0.6, a value lower than those usually reported in other experimental systems.


Nuclear energy: health impact of carbon-14. Estimates are presented on the carbon-14 generation rates in several reactor types and in peaceful nuclear explosions. If the carbon-14 generated in light water reactors is released, the population radiation dose rate it causes initially will be comparable to that resulting from the krypton-85 and tritium generated in these reactors. Because of the long half-life, the radiation dose commitment and the dose rate resulting from the environmental build-up of carbon-14 are considerably larger than those of the two other radionuclides.


[Biophysical questions in ecology and environmental research. Part 1: An analysis of intelligence vs biomass development in humans (author's transl)]. A first analysis of intelligence vs. biomass development in humans shows that the increase of speed to accept new inventions appears not to keep pace with exploding population size. It is suggested to assess more accurately the "collective intelligence" of the human race, an attempt probably useful for several purposes. An equation is presented and used to calculate an upper human population limit for the world suggested by the present intelligence level. The equation suggests 1.5--2.3 billion people educated to the level of industrialized nations. The equation predicts acceptance times for innovations during the early evolution of mankind in the order of 10(6) years. Such a time span seems to be in accordance with archaeological findings for the acceptance of fire as a common tool.


Biophysical questions in ecology and environmental research. Part 2: The extremes of an ecosystem (author's transl). Some basic differences and developmental aspects of ecosystems are demonstrated. Maximum "energy conductivity" and the pathways of energy flow through ecosystems are discussed as the force, potential, or principle to drive the evolution of the system. A working hypothesis is offered: Ecosystems maximize the total energy flow to optimize temperature stability. The paper stresses in general the need and search for new approaches to analyze the evolution of ecosystems. The hypothesis presented in this paper should be regarded as stimulation for further research.


Lethal effect of the serotonin-xylocaineR association in ganglion-blocked rats. In rats anestetized with urethane and under ganglionic blockade by hexamethonium (20 mg/kg, i.v.), the i.v. injection of serotonin (60 mug/kg) determined apnea, ECG alterations and a brief hypotensive response which is similar to that as elicited when 5-HT is given to intact rats. During the hypertension which follows that initial response, apnea is still present along with more severe ECG changes. After that, blood pressure falls into a prolonged hypotension, which is invariably accompanied by death. Neither norepinephrine, nor respiratory analeptics (CoramineR, RemeflinF) were able to prevent the fatal outcome. Only artificial respiration was found to be useful in some instances. It was concluded that the association serotonin plus lidocaine becomes lethal when given to ganglion-blocked rate, and this toxic effect can be ascribed mainly to the respiratory depressor activity of the drugs.


[Considerations about the origin levels of the cranial thyroid artery in guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)]. This paper deals with the stablishment of the origin of seven different levels of guinea pig cranial thyroid artery, based upon the cartilage of larynx and tracheal rings. Forty-five animals (females) from the Faculadade de Ciências Médicas e Biológicas de Botucatu, were anesthetized with chloroform, injected with contrasting substance in the thoracic aorta and dissected throught stereoscopic microscope. The results were expressed in relative percentage figures.


[Cerebellum of birds: comparative study of the density of the Purkinje cells in the anterior lobe (author's transl)]. The mean linear density of the Purkinje cells in the anterior lobe of the cerebellum of the dung cook, Gallus gallus, is significantly higher (16.8 cells/mm) than that observed in the anterior lobe of the cerebellum of the black vulture, Coragyps atratus (12 cells/mm). It is formulated the hypothesis that this quantitative difference is concerned with the type of locomotion, the walk, predominant in the dung cook.


Hepatitis-B antigen in an isolated Indian population (Yanomama indians) Southern Venezuela. A high frequency of Hepatitis-B antigen (7%) was found in apparently healthy Yanomama indians living in southern Venezuela. The prevalence in 24 different Yanomama villages varied between 0 and 30%, but only 3 of 938 serum samples showed presence of HB-Ab. The distribution of the HB-Ag was found to be significantly higher in males than in females.


Aspects of mitochondrial activity in the estuarine bivalves Crassostrea rhizophorae and Lucina pectinatus: a comparative approach. In identical laboratory conditions, some differences in the endogenous relative activity (mul O2/mg protein/ml/h) were determined by the addition of succinate and alpha-keto-glutarate to the mitochondrial-rich-fraction from heart and both parts of the adductor muscle in oyster (Crassostrea rhizophorae) and from heart and adductor muscle in clams (Lucina pectinatus).


[Influence of calcium and potassium ions on the parasympathetic stimulation secretory response of the isolated and perfused submandibular gland (author's transl)]. The effects of the submandibular gland perfusion with blood, Tyrode's solution, Tyrode's solution without calcium, and Tyrode's solution without potassium were studied. The effects on sodium, potassium, and calcium concentration in the saliva were studied in 11 dogs during electrical stimulation of the chorda tympani nerve. According to the statistical analysis we assume that: 1) the perfusion of the salivary gland with blood or Tyrode's solution does not alter sodium, potassium, and calcium concentration in the saliva; 2) the salivary perfusion with calcium free Tyrode's solution does not alter the chemical composition of the saliva; 3) the perfusion of the salivary gland with potassium free Tyrode's solution produce a decrease of the concentration of this ion in the saliva composition.


Detection of haemoglobin D Punjab in patient with Sydenham's chorea. In the present report the authors identified a rare haemoglobin, Hb D Punjab, in association with Sydenham's Chorea. They emphasize the importance of characterizing unusual haemoglobins by peptide mapping, particularly when the electrophoretic pattern shows the characteristics of known haemoglobins and when associated with pathologic states.


The defect in pulmonary gas transfer in patients with sickle cell disease. Nine patients with sickle cell disease and without concomitant cardiopulmonary illness or acute problems were studied with lung function tests. Besides arterial hemoglobin unsaturation, found in all cases so studied, a slight decrease in PaO2 was also present. The pulmonary gas transfer defect was studied and found to be due mostly to increased right to left shunting, although uneven ventilation/perfusion relationships seem to have been a factor in a few cases. Our data clearly show that the diffusion was not implicated in the gas transfer defect. The clinical implications of this little studied and less mentioned respiratory defect are discussed. Since the defect may enhance the risk of sickling crises, it should be measured in each individual patient, for appropriate prophylactic measures. After accidents, pre and post-operatively and during acute respiratory illness, the defect should be again reevaluated. In all probability many patients will be discovered who represent a respiratory risk, and may require special immunizations, prophylactic antibiotics, professional relocation and, during emergencies, intensive respiratory care.


[Nutritive value of macaçar bean (Vigna unguiculatta L.) Walp (author's transl)]. The biological value of dry and immature macaçar bean (Vigna unguiculatta L.) Walp, isolated or associated to manioc flour, was studied. Thirty-six male Albino rats, Wistar strain, aged 23 days, were divided into six groups and fed experimental and control (casein) diets for 28 days. The weight curve and the PER of the animals fed dry and immature macaçar bean either isolated or associated to manioc flour were lower than those of the casein group. The data lead to the conclusion that the macaçar bean is to be used as a food supplement only, due to its low biological value.


Laboratory models of minimal residual cancer; development and preliminary immunotherapy studies. It is the author's contention that if we wish to investigate immunotherapy for cancer in laboratory models, the model must reproduce or at least mimic the biological conditions which are encountered in clinical oncologic practice. The usual experimental animal tumor systems do not satisfy this requirement. They are usually studied as primary transplants of rapidly progressive tumors which kill in a few weeks, and experimental treatments are usually started within a day of two after implantation, before the tumor is detectable by ordinary methods of examination. In clinical oncology the existence of cancer is seldom suspected until it reaches a clinically detectable mass, and it is then treated by various established methods which, if not curative, at least reduce tumor mass temporarily before the tumor recurs locally or at distant sites. A cancer patient, therefore, has a rather prolonged exposure to his tumor and an opportunity to develop immune and other biological responses to it. Present animal models are therefore inadequate for immunotherapy research. This paper examines the prerequisites for more accetable experimental tumor models for immunotherapeutic research, describes a step-by-step investigation leading to the development of what to seems to be more appropriate models, and describes preliminary immunotherapy studies in one of the models, in which parabiosis is used as a means of transfering antitumor resistance to the "patients" from specificially immunized donors.


Surgical treatment of solitary bone cysts. A special method of subperiosteal segmental resection is described as an operative treatment for solitary bone cysts in long bones. This procedure exploits the high osteogenetic potency of the periosteum in adolescence. An autogenous or homologous fibula bone graft locked between the ends of the cyst serves to maintain the length of the bone fragments and acts as a guiding rod for continued subperiosteal new bone formation. There is full reconstruction of bone stability and function at both the cyst region and the donor region (fibula).


Giant-cell tumor and chondrosarcomas: grading, treatment and results (studies of 209 and 131 cases). The Author reviews 209 cases of giant-cell tumor (follow-up 3-42 years in 130 cases) and 131 chondrosarcomas (70 central, 50 peripheral, 11 periosteal; follow-up 10-32 years in 63 cases). Giant-cell tumors are graded into three radiographic types (calm, active, aggressive) and three histologic types (typical, aggressive, sarcoma). Chondrosarcomas were also graded into three radiographic and three histologic types (grades I, II, III). Incidence and mutual relationships of radiographic and histologic grades are presented. In recurrences it is possible to observe a progression of malignancy in giant-cell tumor and - more often - in chondrosarcomas. Results are related to the radiographic and histologic grading and to the type of treatment. Indications for treatment are given according to the experience gained from this study. The Author enumerates the surgical techniques he has found most suitable for the conservative treatment of these tumors when resection is indicated.


Steroid receptor proteins and regulation of growth in mammary tumors. The failure of the estrogen receptor test to predict unequivocally whether a breast cancer will respond to endocrine therapy has prompted us to re-examine the spectrum of responses that might be expected in a hormone-sensitive tissue. Three basic responses are recognized; initiation of DNA synthesis and cell proliferation; negative feedback; and autophagia. The expression of these responses may be partly or totally deficient in tumors. In some tumors, resistance to hormone may result from the lack of entry of hormone into the nucleus; in others the interaction of hormone with chromatin is probably abnormal Evidence is presented in support of the idea that the presence of steroid in the nucleus is strongly correlated to the presence of cytoplasmic receptor. The results also suggest that there is a strong link between the presence of steroid in the nucleus and the initiation of DNA synthesis. Finally the disappearance of nuclear receptor and the onset of autophagia seem to be related catabolic events.


The role of radiation therapy in the loco-regional treatment of breast cancer. After having briefly considered the role of irradiation in the loco-regional therapy of breast cancer, the role of irradiation as a treatment modality aimed at conserving the breast is emphasized. A total of 457 patients were treated either by tumorectomy plus irradiation by 60Co (101 cases) or by primary irradiation (356 cases) with a follow-up of over 5 years. The results are encouraging and similar to those obtained by more standard treatments, particularly by surgery. Among the patients cured, 2 out of 3 have kept their breast with a satisfactory esthetic quality. However, the author insists on the difficulties presented by the irradiation technique, on the necessity of a close cooperation between the surgeon and the radiotherapist, and on the importance of a regular and frequent clinical, mammographic, and thermographic follow-up.


The role of chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer. A wide variety of approaches are being applied to the therapy of breast cancer. Treatment begins with a biopsy followed by mastectomy to remove the primary tumor. The risk category must be determined and, at present, an axillary dissection appears to be required; in the future, tumor cell markers may replace the role of an axillary dissection in the determination of risk category (TORMEY et al., 1975). If the nodes are positive, adjuvant chemotherapy and possibly immunotherapy should be considered. A positive estrogen receptor assay suggests that patients may also benefit from endocrine treatments. If it is negative, the chances of responding to hormonotherapy are very limited, except, perhaps, for anti-estrogens (McGUIRE, et al., 1975). Adjuvant therapy for patients with negative nodes is not recommended at this time; this view may have to be modified as the results of current adjuvant studies become available. We have at hand the means to improve the cure rate of patients with breast cancer. We are getting better diagnostic methods and find more patients with negative nodes. We know more about the primary treatment and have systemic modalities that are effective in the adjuvant situation. The immediate problem is to learn how to put these treatments together, and this task has been undertaken by on-going clinical trials. We are anticipating the results with optimism.


Utilization of diagnostic techniques for cancer of the breast - early diagnosis. Early diagnosis of breast cancer is the only method with proven potential for lowering the death rate from the disease. Early diagnosis means, in a practical way, detection of preclinical cancer - finding the cancer before it would ordinarily be detected in the normal course of events. This involves mass screening of apparently well women.


Changes in the Breuer-Hering reflexes following rostral pontine lesion. The lung stretch reflex characteristics of unanesthetized decerebrate cats were determined using servo-controlled lung volume changes before and after bilateral lesion of the dorsolateral rostral pons in the region of nucleus parabrachialis medialis (NPBM). During the inspiratory phase the time-dependent threshold curve for inspiratory inhibition by lung inflation was shifted to larger volumes after lesion with no change in the constant describing its rate of decay. During the expiratory phase the gain of the inflation reflex was found to be increased by lesion, but otherwise to remain qualitatively the same. Deflations during the expiratory phase revealed a prolonged central inhibitory state with reduced rate of decay late in expiration. It is concluded that with intact vagi structures in the region of NPBM constitute but one of at least three sources of inspiratory inhibition, feedback derived from peripheral lung stretch receptors and from caudal pontine or medullary neurons also being involved. It is also concluded that the structures in the vicinity of NPBM affect the switching mechanisms differently during the two phases of the cycle: During inspiration they contribute a tonic threshold lowering input to the inspiratory "off-switch"; whereas, during expiration they provide inspiratory-facilitatory influences late in the phase.


Breath-to-breath variations of alveolar Po2 and Pco2 at barometric pressures of 490, 745 and 1500 Toor in resting awake dogs. Two awake, resting dogs born and raised at low altitude were studied, breathing air (1) at 745 torr, (2) during a 12 days sojourn at 490 torr in an altitude chamber, and (3) during 5 days sojourn at 1500 torr in a hyperbaric chamber. The respired gas was continuously sampled an end-tidal PCO2 and PO2 of sequences of thirty breaths were measured by fast analyzers. The mean value of alveolar PCO2 was 29 torr at high altitude; 35 torr at 745 torr; and 40 torr in hyperbary. The changes of PCO2 indicate different alveolar ventilations which result mainly from the changes of the chemoreceptor drive which is enhanced at high altitude and decreased in hyperbary. The scattering of PCO2 is about the same at the three pressures. The scattering of PO2 is less at high altitude than at sea level, and less at sea level than in hyperbary. On a PCO2 vs PO2 diagram end-tidal PCO2 and PO2 points form elliptical clouds whose mean slopes decrease with the increase of total pressure. The characteristics of the dispersion of the alveolar pressures and of the slopes of the alveolar clouds depend on several factors among which the relevant steepness (i.e. capacitance) of the O2 and CO2 blood abosrption curves at the three pressures presumably plays the major role.


Interaction of convection and diffusion in pulmonary gas transport. Normal human subjects inspired various volumes of a normoxic argon mixture containing low concentrations of several biologically inert tracer gases with markedly different diffusivities (helium, neon, and sulfur hexafluoride). The behavior of Ne, Ar, and SF6 could be predicted on the basis of axial dispersion due to differences in diffusivity. For example, neon, having the highest diffusivity of the three, was more uniformly distributed within the bronchial tree than either argon or SF6. The behavior of helium, however, was not consistent with predictions based solely on axial diffusion. Contrary to expectation, the early portion of expiration was helium enriched while gas assumed to come from the alveolar regions contained relatively less helium than the other gases. Results of this study suggest that radial diffusion during convective bulk flow may play a significant role in intrapulmonary gas transport if relative diffusivity is extremely large. We conclude that diffusion gradients do exist within the bronchial tree during normal quiet breathing and that these gradients become less significant as inspired volume increases.


[Evolutive aspects of cerebral vascular complications. Tomodensitometric study]. Seventy patients with clinical evidence of cerebral vascular accidents were studied by tomodensitometry. Forty-eight had clinical signs of acute ischaemia and, by means of 64 investigations, it was possible to follow the development of focal softening. Diagnostic difficulties encountered in the course of the first fortnight of development are described. Twenty-two patients exhibited clinical symptoms of meningeal or cerebro-meningeal haemorrhage. Eighteen haematomas were diagnosed and their development studied in 34 investigations.


[Stark-Kaeser type of chronic scapulo-peroneal amyotrophy. Apropos of 10 cases]. The authors described 10 cases of scapulo-peroneal amyotrophy of spinal origin of the Stark-Kaeser type. The main characteristics are a frequently dominant autosomal heredity, onset in the muscles of the legs, scapulp-peroneal weakness and amyotrophy with extension sometimes to the bulbar muscles, areflexia without sensory disturbances, an electromyogram of the neurogenic type with a normal conduction rate, neurogenic histological aspects with normal peripheral nerve. It does not usually result in severe disability. This syndrome is related to the scapulo-peroneal or facio-scapulo-peroneal myopathies and the scapulo-peroneal neuropathies. The problem of the boundaries between these disorders and their association does not alter the fact that the concept of spinal amyotrophy of the Stark-Kaeser type should be kept as a reference group.


[Familial form of centronuclear myopathy in the adult]. Two adult cases of centronuclear myopathy are described in a family from French Guyana. One of them, aged 23, has a slight weakness despite hypertrophic muscles. A typical picture of centronuclear myopathy was seen on muscle biopsy with atrophy of type I fibers and hypertrophy of II A fibers. His uncle, aged 53, had a progressive weakness of the lower limbs for the last 25 years, with also a pattern of centronuclear myopathy, but with more dystrophic features and atrophy of both type I and II A fibers. The mode of inheritance is dominant. These two cases are compared with the previously published reports. The pathogenesis of centronuclear myopathy is discussed.


[H-reflex in the extensor digitorum brevis muscle: study in the normal subject and in latent alcoholic neuropathies]. A comparative electromyographic study was carried out in normal subjects (group I) and in alcoholics without clinical evidence of polyneuropathy (group II). -The H reflex of the extensor digitorum brevis muscle (E.D.B.), the electromyogram of EDB, the conduction velocity of the fasted motor fibers of the peroneal nerve (PN), the sensory conduction velocity and amplitude of the evoked potential of the cutaneous fibers of PN, the H reflex of the soleus muscle. -Two kinds of changes were observed in group II: --a significant increase in the latent period of H respones in EDB, in particular the latent period of responses provoked by distal stimulation of PN (+25 PER CENT); --A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE IN THE AMPLITUDe of the sensory potential of the PN(--46 per cent). The other parameters studied in group II did not show any significant difference in comparison with the control group. These results indicate that PN is involved early in a complex fashion in latent alcoholic neuropathies. They confirm that the distinction between axonal neuropathy and segmental demyelination is rarely absolute.


[Adie's syndrome].

[Adie's syndrome]. The author has investigated patients suffering from disorders of the pupillary reflexes and of the tendon reflexes of the lower limbs which come under the heading of tonic pupil. Forty-five patients were followed up over a period of 15 years. The tendon reflexes of the lower limbs were recorded graphically and showed a very characteristic retardation of the second phase of the patellar reflex. The aetiopathogenesis of Adie's syndrome is discussed. The pathogenesis of Adie's syndrome has so far not been definitely established. We have merely tried to point out a few of the features which permit its early diagnosis and have drawn attention to the basic problem of the pathogenesis of certain neuro-muscular disorders on the basis of secondary considerations involved in this uncommon syndrome.


[Chronic functional dislocation of the cervical spine with radiculo-spinal effects. Discectomy by anterior route and fusion without graft]. X ray dynamic study of cerevical spine movements in 12 patients with neurological impairment has shown an abnormal mobility between two vertebrae in the anterior or posterior direction. This abnormal mobility which has been called functional dislocation, is situated usually over major discarthrosic lesions rather than under. This dislocation, which appears during voluntary and automatic movements of the head and neck has been qualified chronic. A discectomie through an anterior surgical approach and a bony fusion of vertebral bodies without any graft at the dislocation site lead to 10 good results. 2 failures have been imputed to the fact that there was a 10 years evolution of a tetraplegia before operation. The pathogenesis of chronic functional dislocation of the cervical spine is discussed with regard to compression and stretching of the spinal cord, roots and arteries of both. Traumatism of vertebral arteries during dislocation remain under discussion.


Relationship between the inhibitory activity on 'RCS' and prostaglandins synthesis and the anti-inflammatory activity of ketoprofen and several other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. In this study ketoprofen has been shown to be the most potent of all anti-inflammatory drugs in inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins and the 'rabbit-aorta contracting substance' (RCS), using the guinea-pig lung preparation. Although there did not appear to be a close relationship between the activities of the various drugs in inhibiting prostaglandins synthesis and in their anti-inflammatory activity, the compounds were ranked in the same order in both test systems.


Action of ketoprofen on hepatic lysosome in the rat. Evidence for the stabilizing effect of ketoprofen on the lysosomal membrane is presented. Ketoprofen was as potent as indomethacin in stabilizing lysosomes subjected to changes in osmotic pressure. This effect was more marked in rats with adjuvant arthritis than in normal animals.


Synovial-fluid pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen. A study was made of the plasma and synovial-fluid levels of ketoprofen after single oral doses of 50 mg and 100 mg given to patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The drug was rapidly absorbed and plasma levels were similar to those seen in healthy volunteers. The mean early plasma half-life of ketoprofen in both volunteers and patients with rheumatoid arthritis was 1.5 to 2 hours. A cumulative effect of ketoprofen was evident in the synovial-fluid of the patients studied.


Some pharmacological and toxicological studies on ketoprofen. Evidence for the effectiveness of ketoprofen in animal models of inflammation and its antipyretic effect is reviewed. Its toxicity in animals is discussed and the low tendency to produce ulcers is stressed.


[Changes of calcium-phosphorus metabolism in patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis treatment]. Hemodialysis induced changes in calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) metabolism are studied in a group of ten (10) patients with chronic renal failure. There was a significant rise in total serum calcium (Ca), that was closely related to changes in serum proteins level, and a very significant decrease in serum phosphorous (P). Calcium levels of 7 to 8 mgs/100 cc in the dialyzer fluid were considered ideale.


[Hematin treatment of porphyric neuropathy]. The authors report a case of acute intermittent porphiria with peripheral motor neuropathy and a syndrome of inadequate ADH excretion in a male patient aged 36 years. Treatment with hypertonic glucose and prostigmine did not yield any beneficial results, while a subsequent treatment with hematine (4 mg/kg/day for a period of four days) produced a dramatic improvement in the clinical picture and in ALA and PGB levels. A back-to-normal shift of plasma and urinary electrolytes was also observed. It appears that there was a close relation between the administration of hematine and the clinical-biochemical remission.


[Signs of soleus muscle denervation in dystrophic mice (extra and intracellular study)]. Extra and intracellular recording in vivo and in vitro and gold-chloride staining of the dystrophic mouse (Bar Harbour Strain) and of the normal controls soleus nerve-muscle preparation, has shown functional and anatomical denervation findings in the dystrophic muscles.


[A case of rigid man syndrome (stiff-man syndrome)]. The Authors describe a case of "stiff-man syndrome" accompanied by all clinical and laboratory examinations; they point out the unusual implication of facial muscles and briefly report pathogenic theories and diagnostical criteria of this syndrome.


[A case of eyelid apraxia in a subject affected by multiple sclerosis: clinico-pathogenetic considerations]. The Author examines a pathological case of lids shuttening in a woman afflicted by multiple sclerosis, and by the light of the exant literature concludes for a case of apraxias, and includes the act of lids shuttening between the superior cortical functions.


[Xerotomography of the trachea, bronchi and lungs (author's transl)]. The technical principles and the advantages of tomography with the xeroradiographic procedure were presented. The advantages of xerotomography over against film radiography are the simpler exposure procedure, the high degree of picture clarity, the wide range and the additional possibilities for information connected with it. These advantages were illustrated by a few examples. The disadvantage of this method is the high radiation exposure for the patient. For this reason, stricter indications must be required for this examination.


[Present status of locating intraocular foreign bodies (author's transl)]. The different procedures used today to locate intraocular foreign bodies are discussed. The x-ray procedure is not adequate for splinters near the wall, questionable double perforations and foreign bodies which cannot be demonstrated radiographically. Complementary methods of examination such as transillumination, electroacustic location, ultrasonics and direct radio-optic controls must be used. Advantages and limitations of these individual locating procedures are discussed. Intensive transillumination with glass-fiber diaphanoscope is particularly important for splinters in the anterior section of the eyeball near the wall. Ultrasonics cannot be replaced by other methods for foreign bodies in the posterior section of the eyeball which do not produce shadows, demonstration of the relationship of the foreign body to pathologic intraocular structures and the measurement of the length of the eyeball. At the University Ophthalmic Hospital in Cologne, direct radio-optic controls are conducted with a stereo-x-ray image amplitier, a stereoscopic image that gives.


[Extensive lymphogenous and haematogenic formation of metastases in a case of malignant thymoma (author's transl)]. Case report on course and radiological symptomatology of malignant thymoma. The unusual course of the young patient and the extensive haematogenic and lymphogenic metastases are stressed. The current opinion on a low tendency of malignant thymoma to metastasize is discussed. Therapeutic regimen and radiological criteria of thymoma are described.


[The problem of clinical and radiological control examinations of the female breast (author's transl)]. The question of follow-up care and radiological control examinations for the exclusion of the possibility of breast cancer has not been unanimously answered up until now. A suitable suggestion was made taking into consideration the risk factors, the authors' empidemiologic investigations as well as existing information regarding endocrine factors and morphology of the breast.


[Differential diagnosis of star-shaped shadows on x-ray films of the female breast (author's transl)]. The mammographic demonstration of star-shaped shadows in the breast were reported in two cases. In both cases the lesions basically had to be classified as suspected malignancy, but the cytological examination showed the lesions to be benign scar tissue. Since mammography fails to demonstrate the boundry of a lesion which is seldom benign, such false positive diagnoses cannot be truly classified as "false diagnoses".


[Carcinoma simulating alterations of the breast in axillary vein thrombosis (author's transl)]. Two observations of mammographic findings in axillary vein thrombosis showed the main similarities of alterations in the soft parts of the arm and/or breast (vein dilation, thickening of the skin, edema). Radiological findings can simulate the possibility of a tumor or even a total carcinoma.


[Effects of xeroradiographic contour amplification in intramammary calcifications (author's transl)]. The pronounced edge-effect occurring in xeroradiography of intramammary calcifications leads to a change in size of the object, namely, a reduction in the positive and an enlargement in the negative print, to a hard-to-evaluate zone in the border of the object which is in about the same size range for both developing procedures. The extent of edge-enhancement is directly related to the structures in the immediate neighborhood. Form and density of microcalcifications can be better assessed with the positive procedure.


[Radiologic examination of the breast stump (author's transl)]. The radiological examination of the breast stump is imparative since, with it, additional malignant tumors can be discovered and the degree of palpable alterations can be determined with a high degree of probability.


[Early X-ray examen after operation on the upper intestine (author's transl)]. After operations the early x-ray examen of the upper intestine may show complications in the operation field. It also permits to judge the bowl's function. Most valuable is to compare pictures of the patient in lying and upright position.