The reduction of the intrapartum still birth rate at the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital. A significant reduction in intrapartum anoxic fetal deaths has occurred at the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital over the last ten years. The possible explanations for this include a variety of factors, which may either improve the health of the population presenting to the hospital, or improve obstetric care. Epidemiological evidence suggests that the use of fetal diagnostic techniques has contributed to the reduction of intrapartum anoxic still births.


[Morphofunctional study of the development of Actinomyces aureofaciens under conditions of regulated and unregulated fermentation]. Actinomyces aureofaciens producing tetracycline and its inactive proactinomyces-like variant were studied by electron microscopy during their growth under conditions of regulated and non-regulated fermentation. The ultrastructure of the active variant changed: the cell wall and ribosomes underwent modification, amorphous electron-transparent structures appeared, and tubular membrane structures were formed. No changes were found in the inactive variant. When Act. aureofaciens grows in conditions of non-regulated fermentation, it shows rapid disintegration and autolysis; then, wide fragmented hyphae are formed. The morphology of these hyphae is similar to that of spore forming hyphae of the aerial mycelium. Viable hyphae exist for a long time if the active culture grows in conditions of regulated fermentation with periodic addition of nutrient substances. Amorphous electron-transparent structures, apparently of the antibiotic nature, are formed in the hyphae and liberated into the medium.


[Cost-benefit analyses of the employment of assistant dieticians by medical practitioners. 1st report: Basic considerations, calculatory basis, analysis of a policlinical research study and preliminary assessment of an in-practice project (author's transl)]. The benefits of professional advice on dietetics in the medical practice can, at present, not be measured directly. They can only be assessed indirectly on a model basis using drugs savings as the benefit's indicator. If for example those some 880,000 diabetics of the Federal Republic of Germany who are treated with oral antidiabetic drugs and suffer from overweight would lose weight as a consequence of dietetic consultation, they could save at least 1 pill per day of a blood glucose lowering sulfonamide or biguanide derivate. This equals about 131 million DM p.a. If only 10 percent of 1000 diabetics under the advice of one assistant dietician would lose weight--in about 20 percent of all dietetic consultations such a success can be expected--this would cover the cost of such consultation.--In fact, in a sample of 228 diabetics with overweight, who received intensive advice on weight reduction, 85 percent were successful in losing weight, improved their metabolism, and therefore needed less antidiabetic drugs. They thus achieved annual cost savings about equal to an assistent dietician's salary. Thus, the employment of assistant dieticians in the medical practice is an advantage also from the economic point of view, and should be made possible for all practitioners interested.


[Age-related changes in the ultrastructure of Anabaena variabilis cells]. The growth and death of the obligate phototrophic cyanobacterium Anabaena variabilis Kütz, strain Lefevre, were studied under stationary conditions in the light. Each growth stage can be characterized by physiological and ultrastructural peculiarities. The following changes have been found in the cells with aging: the rate of oxygen evolution decreases, the photosynthetic lamellae untwist and separate with the formation of intrathylakoid vacuoles, the number of inclusions increases. Irreversible vesiculation of the parachromatophore was observed during the death of the cells. Lysis of the cells was found to be different in the light and in the dark.


[Fine structure of Chloroflexus aurantiacus var. mesophilus (nom. prof.) grown in the light under aerobic and anaerobic conditions]. The fine structure was studied in two mesophilic strains of Chloroflexus aurantiacus var. mesophilus (nom. prof.): KN-4 and BR-1. Trichomes are covered with a mucous fibrillar sheath which is more developed in the KN-4 strain. Photosynthetic structures, "chlorobium-vesicles", are located at the periphery of the cells of both strains. The structure of the cell was is typical of gram-negative microorganisms. By their electron density and dimensions, inner cytoplasmic structures are identified as poly-beta-hydroxybutyric acid, polyphosphates, and polysaccharides. When the strain BR-I was grown in aerobic conditions in the light, "chlorobium-vesicles" were not synthesized and intracytoplasmic membranes were represented by small tubular-vesicular invaginations. When the cells were grown under anaerobic conditions in the lgiht, numerous "chlorobium-vesicles" were formed, and additional large vesicular membrane systems appeared; these systems occupied over 20 per cent of the cell volume. Possible relationship between the membrane structures and the synthesis of bacteriochlorophyll a and c is discussed.


Proton penetration and control in nonhomogeneous phantoms. Accurate bolus is needed for extension of Bragg-peak therapy. Proton beam-stopping profiles in a lucite-styrofoam-tissue phantom and in a Rando phantom were recorded photographically. Air volumes caused the largest distortions. Lucite bolus was cut to achieve desired beam-stopping profiles. Verification of bolus effect in situ will be important to control beam penetration within 5 mm.


Comparison of moving-strip therapy using a Cobalt-60 teletherapy unit, a Varian 4-MV linear accelerator, and a Varian 10-MV linear accelerator. Cobalt-60 gamma rays and 4- and 10-MV x rays are compared for moving-strip therapy in terms of the dose uniformity and the given dose needed to deliver a prescribed tumor dose. Dose distributions in phantoms of 14--32-cm thickness were calculated for each therapy unit. Individual given doses which would deliver the most uniform dose along the midline of the treatment volume were determined by computer and were verified experimentally by thermoluminescent dosimetry. Using computer optimization techniques, the midplane dose uniformity is improved significantly for the three therapy units considered.


Flattening of proton dose distributions for large-field radiotherapy. Methods for obtaining flattened charged-particle dose distributions over large areas are described. The system being used at Harvard for proton radiotherapy is discussed in detail. It is an extension of usual multiple-scattering techniques to include blocking out some of the central peak, followed by rescattering to fill in the profile, resulting in flat distributions up to 30 cm in diameter. The unusually long source-to-skin distance (4.6-m SSD) plus the small lateral spread (2 mm rms) from multiple scattering in the patient results in little divergence of the beam throughout the treatment volume.


Scattered photons as the cause for the observed dmax shift with field size in high-energy photon beams. Measurements on the Sagittaire linear accelerator and Allis-Chalmers betatron at M. D. Anderson Hospital indicate that the observed dmax shift with field size is due to the presence of Compton-scattered photons in the therapy beam, and not electrons as proposed by others. Separating the primary from other radiation components indicates that the secondary fraction represents a percentage contribution to the overall beam that increases as the collimators are opened. This is consistent with what would be expected from Compton scattering and explains the effective softening of the beam as field size increases.


Expression of an excision repair gene in transformation of Bacillus subtilis. DNA of Bacillus subtilis proficient in excision repair (hcr+) was introduced into Angiografinpurified competent cells of an excision repair-deficient strains UVS-1 (hcr-1). The hcr+ gene was found to affect the UV-survival curve of the cells, giving rise to a UV-resistant component. However, a considerable number of colonies of the UV-resistant component consisted of cells that were not transformed to hcr+ as judged by their sensitivity to mitomycin C (MC), UV, and by their ability to reactivate UV-irradiated M2 phages. This suggests that the hcr gene may be expressed without integration. The recA function of B. subtilis was necessary for expression of UV resistance to occur. When DNA-treated cells were selected for met+ recombinants, the UV-resistant component was again found on the UV-survival curve and about half of the colonies of the UV-resistant component consisted of Hcr- cells. This result was explained by an integration-segregation model for hcr+ and met+ genes. The effect of the hcr+ gene was seen even when DNA was added after cells were irradiated with UV, although this effect was gradually diminished by delaying the time of DNA addition. A complementation effect was found between two excision repair mutations residing in two distant loci, using hcr-114 DNA as a donor and hcr-1 cells as a recipient.


Investigations on the organization of genetic loci in Drosophila melanogaster: lethal mutations affecting 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and their suppression. The molecular nature of lethal and semilethal mutations in the Pgd locus of D. melanogaster coding for 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) was studied. All the 11 mutations affect the structural gene of the Pgd locus: 3 semilethal mutations resulted in altered 6PGD molecules with decreased catalytic activities; the rest 8 lethals were "null" alleles characterized by mutant polypeptides capable of reacting with antisera against highly purified 6PGD. "Null" or low activity alleles for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase induced by ethyl methanesulfonate were shown to be suppressores for the lethal mutations in the Pgd locus. A monocistronic type of organization of the Pgd locus is suggested taking into account the biochemical mechanism of suppression of the Pgd-lethals and their location in the structural gene coding for 6PGD.


DNA repair in Bacillus subtilis. I. The presence of an inducible system. Following UV irradiation of Bacillus subtilis there is a coordinate induction of: 1) a new protein, 2) a W-reactivation system, 3) a DNA modification system, and 4) prophages. These functions are induced following UV irradiation of repair proficient bacteria and mutants deficient in excision repair (UVR-1) and DNA polymerase I activity (polA5). However, they are not induced, or are impaired in their ability to be induced in bacteria containing the recA1 and the recG13 mutations. This inducible system is compared to the SOS system observed in E. coli.


DNA repair in Bacillus subtilis. II. Activation of the inducible system in competent bacteria. Competent B. subtilis are more UV sensitive than the non-competent population of the culture. This increased sensitivity is lose in mutants unable to induce the 'SOS system' (recA1,, recG13), in mutants defective in the induction of prophage PBSX (xin), and in late stage competent cells. Moreover, bacteriophage phi 105 produced from transfected cells are less restricted on strain YB880 than bacteriophage produced from infected cells. Therefore, competent cells (those capable of being transfected) have a DNA modification system, whereas the average log phase cell does not. These data support the hypothesis that the development of competence is correlated with the activation of derepression of the "SOS" system in B. subtilis.


[Diagnostic value of the EEG. Neurologic diagnosis today]. The principal fields of application of the EEG are 1) the identification of transient functional disturbances - especially in cerebral seizures - which cannot always be reliably observed clinically, 2) the tracing of concomitant signs of substantial lesions which in the silent areas are not necessarily associated with isolated neurological defects and 3) the determination of the degree of severity of abnormalities when they do not agree with neurological or psychic disturbances. The discrepancies of the clinical findings themselves sometimes demand attention and benefit the patient when they lead to the identification of disturbances which could not at first be recognized. Selective indications, planned interrogation and thorough correlations with the clinical examinations and other findings are decisive for the value of the EEG in detail.


[The electronystagmography in neurology (author's transl)]. The electronystagmogram has its place in clinical neurological diagnosis as a recording method for the investigation of nystagmus with different conditions (spontaneous nystagmus, testing of eye-following movements, optokinetic nystagmus and rotational excitability). It must be used in all patients with complaints of dizziness, with clinically demonstrable nystagmus phenomena, in patients being examined for expert opinion after cranial traumata and in searching for vestibular involvement in certain diseases, e.g. vestibular disinhibition or dishabituation in multiple sclerosis.


[Contrast-free radiological diagnosis of the skull (author's transl)]. From the broad spectrum of contrast-free radiological diagnosis of the skull, diseases with asymmetrical appearance of the face were selected and the syndromes similar to them are presented from the differential diagnostic point of view. Asymmetry of the head very frequently indicates a disease of the skull area and should be subjected to appropriate diagnostic investigations.


[Axial computer tomography of the neurocranium (author's transl)]. Computer tomography (CT), a new radiographic examination technique, is very highly efficient, for it has high informative content with little stress for the patient. In contrast to the conventional X-ray technology, CT succeeds, by direct presentation of the structure of the soft parts, in obtaining information which comes close to that of macroscopic neuropathology. The capacity and limitations of the method at the present stage of development are reported. Computer tomography cannot displace conventional neuroradiological methods of investigation, although it is rightly presented as a screening method and helps towards selective use. Indications, technical integration and handling of CT are prerequisites for the exhaustive benefit of the excellent new technique.


[Programmed diagnosis of rheumatic diseases in general practice (author's transl)]. In the large number of rheumatic diseases and their often very different types - typical symptomatology is seldom complete - a reliable classification of a particular form of disease is often not easy. The "programmed diagnosis" presented here should be a signpost from the clinical picture, by way of the provisional diagnosis and the necessary diagnostic measures, to the final diagnosis.


[Cardinal radiological signs of the most important rheumatic diseases of joints in adults (author's transl)]. The assessment of roentgenograms in rheumatology is frequently complicated because all forms of the disease have lesions of connective tissue structures in common. A reliable classification of a particular rheumatic disease is sometimes only possible on the basis of repeated examination during the course of the disease. Certain cardinal radiological signs are useful aids to diagnosis. Thus arthritis is characterized by concentric reductions in the height of the joint cavity and the bone lesion, arthrosis by excentric reduction of height and osteophytes. Special pointers to rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, the degenerative diseases, ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases are given.


[Guidelines for the laboratory diagnosis of rheumatic diseases (author's transl)]. The methods for laboratory diagnosis of rheumatic diseases are subdivided into 10 groups according to their informative value. The following aspects are taken into consideration: general diagnosis of inflammation, infective processes with hemolytic streptococci and staphylococci, streptococcal agglutinations, rheumatoid factor tests in the strictest sense, detection of autoantibodies, the HLA-system, investigations in metabolic diseases and generalized skeletal diseases, bacteriological and serological investigations in joint infections and tests in symptomatic diseases of joints and muscles. In the evaluation of the individual methods and the discussion of their application in various types of disease, the following provisional diagnoses are gone into: streptococcal rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, monarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome and psoriatic arthritis, myositis and polymyositis.


[Forty years of psychosomatic medicine. A historical retrospect (author's transl)]. The close interweaving of psychosocial and pathophysiological problems is emphasized with examples such as duodenal ulcer, the functional syndromes, psychogenic nanism, essential hypertension and even carcinoma. The increase in fatalities from coronary heart diseases, bronchial carcinoma, liver cirrhosis and road accidents confront us with the question of how far our industrial culture itself produces pathogenic factors. Medicine is therefore faced with the task of investigating the effects of human interreactions on health and disease. In so doing, medicine itself and the institutions it has created cannot be excluded. This is particularly true of internal medicine which, if it does not wish to withdraw from its traditional integrative duty, must cooperate still more closely with psychosomatic medicine.


[Frequency of depressive diseases (author's transl)]. Depressive diseases are among the most frequent illnesses. They are only partly recognized and treated. The largest number of depressed patients are found in the offices of the general practitioner and internist. Only a small fraction of patients with severe, predominantly endogenous psychotic depressions are treated in hospital. The following consequences arise from this frequency distribution: by improvement of diagnostic methods to recognize, if at all possible, all depressed patients requiring therapy and to treat them suitably; by improvement of prevention, primary in risk groups and tertiary in prophylaxis of recurrence, to lower the morbidity of depression; and by improvement of ambulant therapy with regard to controlling suicidal tendencies and anxiety and prevention of chronicity and resistance to therapy to reduce the necessity for hospitalization.


[The informative value of diagnostic methods in chronic headache. A study of 112 cases (author's transl)]. A thorough neurological diagnostic investigation was carried out in 112 patients with chronic headache existing for an average of 14 years, using a case history questionnaire we had designed for the purpose. Apart from the history and clinical examination, the program included X-ray negatives, angiography, computer tomography, sequence scanning, electroencephalogram and echoencephalogram. Migraine was the most common diagnosis (54.5%). Three cases in which admission to a ward was necessary for more detailed examination are described and demonstrated with reference to neuroradiological illustrative material.


[Effect of air-electric fields on driving and reaction patterns. Test subjects in the car driving simulator (author's transl)]. In the relevant frequency range of about 10 Hertz cars can be considered very largely as Faraday cages and consequently as screens against air-electric fields. This may have a negative influence on driving and reaction patterns as a result. In an extensive investigation 48 subjects in a driving simulator were exposed to definite artificially produced air-electric fields. The self-rating of the performance and concentration of the subjects, reaction times and driving errors were determined. While the reaction times remained practically constant, the driving behavior of the subjects improved.


[Live influenza vaccines (author's transl)]. Recent progress in live influenza A vaccine research is reviewed. As vaccine strains with new antigenic determinants have to be available in a short time, methods for rapid and reproducible attenuation of wild strains are needed. The possibilities for attenuation of influenza A wild strains and their relative merits are discussed. Particular problems arise from the fact that in interpandemic periods the population is composed of individuals with varying degrees of immunity. Vaccine strains of different virulence or different dosages for nonimmune and partially immune segments of the population may be necessary. Vaccine trials of the last few years are reviewed and the future uses of live influenza vaccines are discussed.


[Identification of hepatitis A antigen and antibody for the diagnosis of hepatitis A infection (author's transl)]. The maximal shedding of hepatitis A antigen (HA Ag) was found about one week before the appearance of icterus. In the first week after the appearance of jaundice, it was demonstrable in 57%, and in 22% in the second week. Since no persistent shedders of antigen have been found so far, in some cases a recent hepatitis A can be detected by identification of HA Ag in a stool sample obtained as soon as possible after the onset of the disease. The reliability of the investigation for antibodies against HA Ag (Anti-HAV) was tested with respect to 892 samples sent for diagnostic evaluation. Anti-HAV could be demonstrated regularly at the onset of the disease. It increased rapidly in the first two weeks after the appearance of jaundice.


[Botulism after eating country smoked ham (author's transl)]. 14 persons ate from a country smoked ham in which botulin was found. From this group, two had complaints which suggested a nonspecific food poisoning; two persons died. Of the dead, clinical symptoms of a botulinus intoxication could be ascertained from other people. In one case, botulinus toxin could be demonstrated in the blood, in the other the botulinus toxin was identified on forensic examination in suspensions of the preserved organ and body fluids, in spite of advanced putrefaction. Histological examination of the brain and of the cerebral and peripheral nerves provided no clear indication of the primary disease.


[Urinary tract infections. Sensitivity and specificity of previous screening methods (author's transl)]. The frequency of symptomatic and unapparent bacteriuria in infants and children of preschool age is estimated to be 1 to 2%. Ca. 5% of all girls and less than 0.5% of all boys between the ages of 6 and 19 years undergo bacteriuria. Women suffer from it to 5 to 15% during pregnancy and diabetics of about 10 to 20%. The sensitivity and specificity of different screening processes are evaluated with reference to numerous publications. It appears that the agar slide, which is in use all over the world, is markedly superior to all other methods with respect to price, handling and sensitivity, The only weakness of this method is frequent failure in the presence of inhibitors in the urine sample.


[Tetracycline levels in the sputum in chronic obstructive bronchitis (author's transl)]. After 3 control days, the tetracycline concentration in the sputum of 34 patients was measured daily on 7 days during treatment with the antibiotic. 14 patients took tetracycline (Hostacyclin) in normal doses (2X500 mg or 2X1000 mg) by mouth. 20 patients received rolitetracycline (Reverin) 2X275 mg i.v. daily. With considerable individual fluctuations, sputum concentrations were attained in all series ranging from 1.5 to 2.0 microgram/ml after intravenous administration and from 1.1 to 1.6 microgram/ml after oral dosage. The higher dosage administered orally had no greater influence on the sputum concentration. In each case, sputum levels were attained which lie above the necessary minimum concentrations (0.5 microgram/ml).


Slow spike-wave activity in EEG and associated clinical features: often called 'Lennox' or "Lennox-Gastaut' syndrome. Clinical features were studied in 83 patients with slow spike-wave activity in the EEG. Epileptic seizures, usually intractable, occurred in 82 patients. The majority had the onset of seizures during the first 2 years of life. Minor motor seizures alone or in combination with other types of seizures occurred in 80 percent, and most had more than one type of seizure. The combination of tonic-clonic, minor motor, and absence seizures was the commonest, occurring in 37 percent. Sixty-six patients were definitely retarded and 49 showed definite motor impairment. Etiologic factors responsible for cerebral insult were identified in 53 patients. Serial EEG studies showed a close relationship between the EEG patterns of hypsarrhythmia, independent multifocal spike discharges, and slow spike-wave activity. The eponym "Lennox-Gastaut" syndrome is appropriate for a patient who has slow spike-wave activity in the EEG, exhibits mental retardation, and has intractable seizures of various types. However, the syndrome does not imply a pathologic entity because many diverse processes, both static and progressive, can produce this syndrome.


[Changes in the characteristics of several carbohydrate metabolism enzymes during differentiation of loach skeletal muscle]. The gradual change of enzymes of glycogen metabolism proceeds during the skeletal muscle differentiation in the loach. The portion of the muscle type phosphorylase in the skeletal muscles of the embryo at the stage of the beginning of movement amounts to 30% and that at the stage of hatching to slightly over 50%. At the stage of yolk resorption, the skeletal muscles contain the muscle type phosphorylase only. At the same time the value of KM(UDPG) for glycogen synthetase gradually increases from 0,1 X 10(-3) up to 0,57 X 10(-3) M. The activity of alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase increases more than 70 times.


Patient care and family counseling. Social work considerations in audits of hyperkinetic reaction of childhood. To assure optimal patient care, a multidisciplinary audit of hyperkinetic reaction of childhood should involve the social work department. Specific process criteria can be established to assess the psychosocial evaluation of the patient, inpatient social work treatment, and follow-up care. Collectively, these criteria provide a mechanism with which to measure psychosocial factors that contribute to hyperkinesis, improvement in the patient's condition, family responsiveness to patient needs, and the effectiveness of the social work department of carrying out its responsibility for treatment of hyperkinetic children.


Relationship between maturity and isoenzymes of erythrocytic carbonic anhydrase in newborn infants. The present study was carried out to assess the activities of all three principal isoenzymes of human erythrocytic carbonic anhydrase (HCA) in newborn infants in relation to their estimated gestational ages. Blood samples were collected at parturition from the umbilical cords of 45 normal healthy infants. Among the samples taken before day 290 of gestation, the activity ratio (isoenzyme B: isoenzyme C) was correlated significantly with estimated gestational age. After day 290, the range of B:C activity ratios was similar to that observed in adults. Isoenzyme A represented a relatively constant proportion (mean +/- SEM) at 7.2 +/- 0.2% of total HCA activity. The B:C activity ratio appears to be a more reliable and sensitive index of maturity than either the total HCA activity or the ratio of total HCA activity to the total hemoglobin concentration in cord blood.


Nosocomial infection. A continuing problem. Bacteremia, urinary tract infection, and respiratory infection account for over 60% of all nosocomial infections. The incidence of nosocomial bacteremia is low, but about 25% of patients with Gram-negative bacteremia die from it. Many cases of nosocomial bacteremia result from contamination of intravenous (IV) infusion systems. If an underlying source of infection cannot be found in a patient with fever and an indwelling IV catheter, the infusion set should be removed immediately. Urinary tract infection is the most common nosocomial infection. It is often associated with urinary tract instrumentation and is frequently preventable. Lower respiratory tract infection is a major cause of morbidity and prolonged hospitalization; it is sometimes preventable by careful management of respiratory therapy equipment. When infection occurs, treatment should be started with large doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics until results of culture can point the way to more specific therapy. Every hospital should have an active patient surveillance system and a strong infection-control program. If a problem with nosocomial infection cannot be resolved within the hospital, the local or state health department should be contacted for assistance.


Hypophosphataemia and phosphorus requirements during intravenous nutrition. Seven patients with acute illnesses developed hypophosphataemia whilst receiving intravenous nutrition which included a fat emulsion, Intralipid, a possible source of phosphorus. The authors' observations cast doubt on the bio-availability of the phosphorus contained in the phospholipid content of the fat emulsion. The currently recommended allowance of phosphorus for this type of patient appears to be too low and it is suggested that 0-5-0-75 mmol/kg body weight be provided, preferably as a neutral phosphate solution. Sine hypophosphataemia can occur at various time intervals after starting intravenous nutrition and precede clinical sequelae it is recommended that routine serum phosphate measurements are made in all patients receiving this treatment.


Betamethasone valerate compared with sodium cromoglycate in asthmatic children. A double-blind, cross-over study was undertaken to compare inhalation of betamethasone valerate (BV, 800 microgram daily) with sodium cromoglycate (SCG, 80 mg daily) in twenty children requiring bronchodilators for perennial asthma. Each treatment period lasted 4 weeks but statistical comparisons were made only in respect of the last 14 days of each therapy. When the children were using BV they required not only less of the bronchodilator drugs but had fewer symptoms and higher daily peak expiratory flow rates when taking SCG. Statistically, all these differences were highly significant. For 2 weeks before the main trial each child was given a placebo aerosol (single-blind) to assess severity of asthma. In comparison with this period, SCG was associated with a significantly increased peak expiratory flow rate a lower symptom score by day but not by night, but their usage of bronchodilators followed a similar pattern. When the BV period was compared with the placebo period, patients had an even more significant rise in peak expiratory flow rate, less day and night symptoms, and took hardly any bronchodilators. The response to the two drugs did seem to depend upon which was given first. No monilial infections were found, nor any measurable defect in adrenal response from either treatment. Betamethasone valerate is considered to be superior to sodium cromoglycate as a treatment for childhood asthma insufficiently controlled on bronchodilators.


Vertebral osteomyelitis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A case of vertebral osteomyelitis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa is described and the problems of diagnosis and treatment discussed.


A case of Bacillus cereus bacteraemia.

A case of Bacillus cereus bacteraemia. A case is presented of Bacillus cereus bacteraemia in a patient receiving hepatic perfusion with 5-fluorouracil (5FU) for metastasis from a carcinoma of the breast. The literature concerning systemic B. cereus infections is briefly reviewed.


[Pleural manifestations of secondary monoclonal dysproteinemia (apropos of 4 cases)]. A pleural effusion with monoclonal macroglobulinemia is not unusual outside Kahler and Waldenström diseases which are the two commonest. It can occur in lymphoid leucosis with plasma concentration peaks, where surface immunoglobulins play an important part, and in some epithelial cancers. As in primitive macroglobulinemia the plasma concentration peak corresponds to pleural globulin modifications. But it seems that, whatever the variations of pathological immunoglobulins, the pleural lymphocytes, predominant in the effusion, play an active part due to various etiological stimulations.


[Parenteral feeding in cerebro-cranial injuries (author's transl)]. For the parenteral feeding of cases of cerebro-cranial injuries solutions composed of the required quantity of aminoacids and three types of sugar (according to the bässler and Peters formula) have proved adequate.


[Infusion therapy in cardio-pulmonary insufficiency (author's transl)]. The pathogenesis of cardiopulmonary insufficiency in intensive-care patients is reviewed, with special reference to the development of interstitial pulmonary oedema. Measures designed to control the condition and compensate for the increased post-operative and post-traumatic calorie and aminoacid requirements are: 1. restricted fluid intake; 2. digitalization and administration of diuretics; 3. administration of highly concentrated human albumin. Potential pulmonary reactions to, and possible beneficial effects of, parenteral fat administration are discussed.


[Parenteral feeding in cases of impaired liver function (author's transl)]. Patients with hepatic failure show pathological plasma amino acid chromatograms which closely correlate to the course of hepatic encephalopathy or hepatic coma. An improvement of the encephalopathy could be achieved by normalising the plasma amino acid levels. The conventional amino acid solutions used for feeding patients having hepatic failure do not allow for the special metabolic features of this condition, and with regard to hepatic encephalophathy they should not be used in parenteral nutrition. For the low-risk parenteral feeding of patients with hepatic failure, amino acid solutions must be used which meet both the problems of hepatic encephalopathy and the principles of parenteral nutrition.


[Use of the test with disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid for diagnosis of latent forms of hypoparathyroidism]. A test with disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was conducted in 29 individuals--9 healthy ones, 5 patients with latent hypoparathyroidism, 7 with manifest hypoparathyroidism given vitamin D 2, and 8 patients who sustained an operation on the thyroid gland. Primary reduction of the calcium level in patients with latent hypoparathyroidism was in 12 hours combined with a low calcium level, not exceeding 8.5% mg. Along with this in the mentioned group of patients, and also in the patients operated for goiter and in some of the patients given vitamin D 2 there were observed peculiarities of the calciemic curves during the first hours of the test differentiating them from the normal. The diagnostic significance of this is discussed.


Evidence for a receptor protein of activated carcinogen. During carcinogenesis in rat liver by 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene, the two moieties of the principal liver carcinogen-protein complex have considerably different turnover rates. With continued ingestion of the azocarcinogen by rats, the bound azo dye in the complex has a half-life of 2.5 +/- 0.25 (SD) days, while the protein moiety has a half-life of 8.7 +/- 1.6 days (probability of identity <0.001). In addition, the interaction of the azocarcinogen with the principal target protein in vivo appears to extend the half-life of the protein itself from 3.3 +/- 0.2 days in normal liver to 8.7 +/- 1.6 days (P < 0.001). The slowing of the turnover of the protein by the carcinogen appears to be readily reversible, since soon after the cessation of azocarcinogen feeding, the half-life of the protein returns to that of the target protein in normal liver. The considerable difference in turnover rates of the two moieties of the complex and the reversible effects of the carcinogen in slowing the turnover of the protein moiety suggest that the two moieties of the native azoprotein are noncovalently linked and that they have different biological activities. The native complex appears to contain azo dye in an activated state that is capable of yielding a reactive electrophile, because after protein denaturation the bound azo dye was previously found to have properties that are indicative of covalent linkage to the protein. The retardation in the biological turnover rate of the protein moiety, apparently resulting from interaction with azocarcinogen, is in agreement with the known ligand-induced stabilization in vitro and reduced rate of proteolytic degradation in vivo of other proteins that result from conformational change to a more compact configuration. Our evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that the principal liver carcinogen-protein complex contains hydrophobically bound activated azocarcinogen, whose specificity of reaction with critical macromolecule(s) in nuclei may be directed by the conformationally altered protein of an activated carcinogen-protein complex, i.e., a specific receptor protein containing activated azocarcinogen.


[Simple and rapid heterologous method of radioimmunochemical determination of luteinizing hormone in the blood serum of rats. 2. Specificity of the method]. The Heterologous hard phase radioimmunochemical method (RICM) of luteinizing hormone (LH) determination was tested in a number of experimental models for specificity. The results obtained demonstrated that a possible factor of cross reaction with the thyrotropic hormone (TTH) and the folliculo-stimulating hormone (FSH) was apparently insignificant in determination of LH in rat serum. This conclusion was based on the following. An immunosorbent used in RICM, prepared from the antisera of rabbits immunized with sheep LH, failed to interact with the FSH of rat hypophysis extracts. TTH-releasing hormone failed to alter the level of the immunoreactive LH in rat serum, whereas LH-releasing hormone increased 31-fold the LH concentration in 20 min. Besides, by means of RICM there was recorded a marked increase of the LH in the serum of rats after ovariectomy and a fall of the LH concentration in response to the administration of estradiol together with progesteron to such rats.


Location and structural significance of the oligosaccharides in human Ig-A1 and IgA2 immunoglobulins. The location, number, and kinds of oligosaccharides in human IgA1 and IgA2 immunoglobulins have been determined by amino acid sequence analysis of the alpha heavy chains. Both A2m allotypes of the alpha2 chain of IgA2 have two GlcN oligosaccharides that are absent in the alpha1 chain, but they lack GalN. The A2m(2) allotype has a fifth GlcN oligosaccharide. The alpha chains of IgA proteins also have subclass-specific and allotype-specific differences in amino acid sequence. Although other classes of human immunoglobulins differ in the number and kind of oligosaccharides, the sites are often homologous and are related to the immunoglobulin domain structure. Evolutionary preservation of the tripeptide acceptor sequence for GlcN probably indicates both a structural and biological role for carbohydrate.


[Effect of glibenclamide on insulin and zinc content in the islands of Langerhans]. The influence of glybenclamide on insulin and zinc content was studied in the pancreatic islets of rats, depending on the dose of the preparation and the time of study. The extent of hypoglycemia after the glybenclamide administration failed to correlate with the dose, whereas morphological changes in the gland were directly dependent on the dose of the preparation. The data obtained pointed to the pancreatotropic action of glybenclamide and confirmed the existence of zinc-insulin complex in beta-cells of the islets and its disintegration under the effect of this preparation.


Amino acid sequence of the first 217 residues of a mouse heavy chain (MOPC 47A) with a domain deletion. Cyanogen bromide cleavage of the deleted heavy (alpha) chain of mouse IgA 47A yielded five peptides, CNBr 1-5, consisting of 34, 50, 28, 70, and 160 residues. A 217-residue NH2-terminal sequence, which comprises the variable region and the first domain of the constant region (CH1), and a 19-residue COOH-terminal sequence of the chain were obtained from the sequences of CNBr 1-4 and the NH2-terminal and COOH-terminal sequences of CNBr 5. The tryptic peptides of the remainder of the chain have been partially characterized. Comparison of these data with the sequences of other, nondeleted, chains reveals that the 47A chain terminates exactly at the end of the CH2 domain and that there are no deletions up to that point. It is concluded that the deletion in the chain is a single, large deletion consisting of the entire CH3 domain. The 47A chain also differs from other, nondeleted, mouse alpha chains derived from BALB/c strains in that it contains a labile cysteine at position 135, which is believed to participate in the light-heavy chain bond, and contains galactosamine in the hinge region. This may mean that the 47A alpha chain, in addition to being deleted, represents a mouse IgA subclass analogous to human IgA1.


Spontaneous mutation rates at enzyme loci in Drosophila melanogaster. In a marked-inversion-balanced lethal system mutations were accumulated at a minimum pressure of natural selection on 2000 second chromosomes of Drosophila melanogaster that originated from 4 stem chromosomes. Five enzyme loci were tested: alpha-glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.8), malate dehydrogenase (Mdh, EC 1.1.1.37), alcohol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.1), hexokinase-C (Hex-C tentative name), and alpha-amylase (Amy, EC 3.2.1.1). Three band-morph mutants, one at the Mdh locus, one at the Hex-C locus, and one at the Amy locus, were detected out of 1,658,308 allele replications. In addition, 17 null mutants were found. Accepting that the number of structural genes is the same as that of bands in the salivary gland chromosomes, the total mutation rate per generation for all the structural genes in the second chromosomes is estimated to be 0.008-0.040, which is much smaller than that estimated for viability polygenes (0.12-0.17). Thus, it is speculated that most viability and other fitness polygenes are located in controlling regions outside the structural genes.


Isolation of virus-free Herpesvirus saimiri antigen-positive plasma membrane vesicles. Experiments were undertaken to determine whether virus-free, antigen-positive plasma membrane vesicles could be isolated from owl monkey kidney cells infected with Herpesvirus saimiri. The results demonstrate that vesicles can be produced by using a vesiculation fluid containing 25 mM formaldehyde/2 mM dithiothreitol. Electron microscopy revealed that these vesicles were free of detectable virus particles. Vesicles prepared from the infected cells contained virus-induced membrane antigens as shown by membrane immunofluorescence and by inhibition of antibody-dependent lymphocyte cytotoxicity. Nonhuman primates immunized with vesicles produced antibodies to these membrane antigens, late cytoplasmic antigens, and neutralizing antibodies. Infectious virus was not demonstrated in these vesicles by cocultivation with owl monkey kidney cells or by the inoculation of cottontop marmosets. Furthermore, no DNA could be demonstrated in vesicles prepared from Herpesvirus-infected owl monkey kidney cells. The implication of these findings in relation to the question of a virus-free membrane vaccine against Herpesvirus infections is discussed.


Structural implications of sequence variability in immunoglobulins. Immunoglobulin sequences were compared by using a technique that takes into account the dissimilarity in physicochemical properties of amino acids. Exterior residues showed greater structural variability than interior residues. High structural variability was found at positions known from crystallographic studies to be involved in hapten binding.


[Influence of TRH on the depressive syndrome (author's transl)]. In two cases of chronic endogenous depression changes of mood and drive have been investigated over a period of 26 days by self rating scales "ESTA". After a single dose of 250 microgramm TRH a small antidepressive effect and a clear shift of the syndrome in the direction of a mixed state could be demonstrated thus suggesting an increased desintegration of the mood-drive-system.


Brain monoamine oxidase activity after chronic ethanol treatment of rats. Rats were given chronic treatments with ethanol in two ways: by offering 10% ethanol in water as the only liquid supply for 34 weeks and by exposing the rats to ethanol vapour during 5 h daily for 7 weeks. In this way blood ethanol levels of 1.4-2.3 and 5.5-6.9 mg/ml, respectively, were accomplished. In neither of the cases was brain monoamine oxidase activity changed. The result supports an hypothesis previously advanced that the lowered monoamine oxidase activity found in the brain of a suicide patient was not due to a direct effect of ethanol on alcoholics in the suicide group, but that the low enzyme activity reflected a low monoaminergic activity in the brains of the patients in the suicide group.


Possible role of dopamine in central effects of cocaine as measured by apomorphine gnawing test in mice. Apomorphine (10mg/kg, s.c.) does not induce in mice a compulsion to gnaw, but pretreatment with cocaine (10-40 mg/kg, i.p.) caused gnawing activity. This effect of cocaine was inhibited by pretreatment with alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, haloperidol, and physostigmine, but not with FLA-63, phenoxybenzamine and tetrabenazine. These findings would suggest that dopaminergic mechanism plays a significant role in the potentiation of apomorphine gnawing activity by cocaine and also support the view that inhibition of dopamine uptake is responsible for the stimulatory action of cocaine.


Morphine ingestion: genetic control in mice. C57BL/6J mice will drink large amounts of, and display a highly positive preference for, morphine sulfate when it is dissolved in an aqueous solution of sodium saccharin. In identical test situations DBA/2J mice will drink very little of, and display a strong avoidance toward, the morphine-saccharin solution. This clear separation between morphine-accepting and morphine-rejecting animals within a single species combined with a quick and simple method of inducing high levels of morphine ingestion could facilitate the discovery of causal factors in opiate addiction.


Perseveration and rotational behavior elicited by d-amphetamine in a Y-maze exploratory task: differential effects of intraperitoneal and unilateral intraventricular administration. Mice received either intraperitoneal (1.0, 3.0, 5.0, or 15.0 mg/kg) or unilateral intraventricular injection (50.0, 100.0 or 200.0 microgram) of d-amphetamine. Both routes of injection produced circling behavior in a dose-related fashion when animals were tested in a circular alley-way. In contrast, performance in a free running Y-maze alternation task was differentially affected by the route of administration. Whereas intraperitoneal injection induced perseveration (i.e., animals consecutively visited only two arms of the maze), intraventricular injection augmented alternation behavior normally seen in saline-treated mice. It was suggested that Y-maze performance following intraventricular d-amphetamine injection reflects response perseveration, whereas systemic d-amphetamine treatment produced stimulus perseveration (repetition of location rather than direction). Moreover d-amphetamine-induced circling produced by intraperitoneal administration probably is an artifact of drug-induced stimulus perseveration as opposed to motor biases observed following intraventricular injections.


Changes in morphine self-administration after brainstem lesions in rats. Rats were trained to bar press for intravenous infusions of morphine sulfate during 1-h daily test regions. Rates of morphine self-administration were reduced by bilateral lesions of the substantia nigra and enhanced by lesions of the medial raphe nucleus. Dose-response studies indicated that sensitivity to morphine's rewarding property was increased by substantia nigra lesions and decreased by medial raphe lesions. Lesions of the dorsal raphe nucleus and of the locus coeruleus had no effect on self-administration behavior. An interaction between ascending dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways appears to be involved in the mechanism of morphine reinforcement.


Facilitation and disruption by mescaline and 3,4-dimethoxyphenylethylamine of shock avoidance in rats. The effects of mescaline hydrochloride (4.95-79.2 mg/kg i.p.) and its non-hallucinogenic analogue 3,4-dimethoxyphenylethylamine hydrochloride (DMPEA) (12.5-100 mg/kg i.p.) on shock avoidance in a shuttlebox were studied in male Long-Evans rats trained to high (above 88%, good performers) or low (below 6%, poor performers) stable base-line avoidance rates. In good performers, mescaline and DMPEA caused a dose-dependent decrease in avoidance rate (ED 50's 44.6 and 39.2 mg/kg, respectively) without affecting presession (5-min adaptation period) or intertrial shuttlebox crossings. In poor performers, mescaline caused a dose-dependent increase in avoidance rate (ED 50 = 24.8 mg/kg) and intertrial crossings, without affecting presession crossings. The results suggest that mescaline, but not DMPEA, has dual facilitative and disruptive effects on avoidance behavior at similar dose ranges. The facilitative, but not the disruptive, effect may be related to changes in motor activity.


The production of an alternative laboratory model of the Parkinson syndrome using a new benzylimidoylurea derivative LON 954. N-carbamoyl-2-(2,6-dichlorophenyl) acetamidine hydrochloride (LON 954) causes a reproducible rest tremor in mice, of rapid onset and short duration with no associated rigidity or akinesia and in the absence of any marked changes in body temperature or accompanying peripheral parasympathomimetic effects. This tremor can be antagonised by the dopamine receptor agonists L-Dopa, bromocriptine, nomifensine and piribedil, as well as by anticholinergic anti-Parkinson drugs having an inhibitory effect on dopamine uptake such as benapryzine and benztropine. In contrast, benzhexol, orphenadrine and amantadine had no effect. LON 954 appears to be more specific than oxotremorine for the detection of drugs having therapeutic potential in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, particularly those exerting their effect through dopaminergic systems. An antagonist (BS 100-141), which is a structural isomer of LON 954, is also described.


Maternal behavior: a determinant of amphetamine toxicity in rats. At 130 days of age, 31 female rats that had been subjected in infancy to handling, mother-separation, both, or neither, were injected with d-amphetamine (100 mg/kg, 50 mg/ml, i.p.). The subjects form handled, mother-present litters were the only group that showed increased latency to death. This finding indicated that the maternal behavior elicited by early handling, rather than early handling or maternal presence alone, resulted in reduced amphetamine toxicity in the offspring, tested in adulthood.


Specific inhibition of hypothalamic self-stimulation by selective reuptake blockade of either 5-hydroxytryptamine or noradrenaline. The effects of two new phthalane-derived bicyclic thymoleptics on hypothalamic self-stimulation were investigated in rats. The drugs, LU 10-171 and LU 5-003 are potent and highly selective reuptake blockers of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and noradrenaline (NA), respectively. The use of a two-way shuttle-box permitted the differentiation of specific reward modulation effects from the variety of non-specific performance changes that these drugs may produce. Selective reuptake blockade of either 5HT or NA produced a dose-dependent reduction in reward that could be clearly dissociated from any non-specific performance decrements. Besides providing direct evidence for a significant role for 5HT in the mediation of hypothalamic self-stimulation, these data show that symphy increasing transmitter availability is not a sufficient condition to enhance self-stimulation reward. It is suggested that self-stimulation is dependent on response-contingent transmitter release and that any operation that increases reward-transmitter availability in a response-independent manner should attenuate self-stimulation.


Sensitization to cocaine stimulation in mice. Repeated administration of cocaine to B6AF1/J mice increased their running response to 20 mg/kg cocaine as much as four-fold over the response to the first injection. After four daily injections, the extent of the increase was proportional to the dose of cocaine that was used for pretreatment. Sensitization persisted for as long as 2 months after the last injection of cocaine. Cocaine-pretreated mice did not show an increased running response to either morphine or d-amphetamine. The response to cocaine was increased two-fold by treatment with morphine and three-fold by pretreatment with d-amphetamine. Pretreatment with either imipramine or reserpine did not produce sensitization to cocaine. There was no correlation between cocaine sensitization and whole-brain catecholamine levels. There were marked differences in both the running response to cocaine and the extent of cocaine sensitization betwee the parental strains, C57B1/6J and A/J. Experiments with recombinant-inbred lines, derived from C57B1/6By and BALB/cBy mice, suggest that the initial response to cocaine and the development of sensitization are controlled by different genetic determinants.


Alteration of ethanol-induced changes in locomotor activity by adrenergic blockers in mice. The effects of various doses of ethanol (ETOH) on spontaneous locomotor activity (SLMA) in mice were measured using photocell activity chambers. Of the 4 i.p. doses injected, the 2 lowest doses (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) stimulated SLMA, the next higher dose (2.0 g/kg) produced a biphasic effect of depression followed by stimulation, and the highest dose (4.0 g/kg) depressed SLMA. The mechanism of the biphasic effect of the 2.0 g/kg dose was studied in tests with central catecholamine antagonists at various doses 30 min before ETOH. Doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg of propranolol, a beta-receptor blocker, significantly antagonized the depressant effect of ETOH but had no influence on the stimulant effect. High doses (10 and 20 mg/kg) of phentolamine, an alpha-receptor blocker, significantly antagonized the stimulant phase of ETOH action but had no significant effect on the depressant phase. All doses (0.062-0.250 mg/kg) of spiroperidol, a dopaminergic blocking drug, significantly enhanced the SLMA depression produced by ETOH. These results indicate that the SLMA-depressant effect of ETOH may be mediated by central "beta-type" receptors, that the SLMA-stimulant effect of ETOH may be mediated by central "alpha-type" receptors, and that at least part of ETOH's action may be due to dopaminergic mechanisms.


Influence of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on photically evoked after-discharge potentials. Two cannabinoids, delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, and several reference drugs were compared relative to their effects in a recently developed anticonvulsant test system, the after-discharge potentials of the visually evoked response; the potentials were recorded electrophysiologically from electrodes permanently mounted over the visual cortices of conscious rats. In anticonvulsant doses, trimethadione and ethosuximide produced an extensive depression of after-discharge activity, whereas diphenylhydantoin and cannabidiol exerted no such effect. In contrast, anticonvulsant doses of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and subconvulsant doses of pentylenetetrazol markedly increased after-discharge activity, which may represent a manifestation of their central nervous system excitatory properties. The data from the present study support our previously published ovservations from several other anticonvulsant tests that indicate the anticonvulsant characteristics of cannabidiol resemble those of diphenylhydantoin rather than those of trimethadione and that the central excitatory properties of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol distinguish it from cannabidiol. The results consistently suggest that the cannabinoids will be effective against grand mal but not absence seizures.


Comparative effects of d-amphetamine, l-amphetamine, and methylphenidate on mood in man. The comparative effects of d-amphetamine, l-amphetamine, and methylphenidate were assessed in 16 normal subjects, using a double-blind, crossover placebo-controlled design. Within the dose range tested, the efficacy ratio of d-amphetamine:l-amphetamine was about 2:1, and graphic presentation of dose response scores indicated a relatively small difference in potency between the amphetamine isomers. Methylphenidate was intermediate in efficacy between d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine. The efficacy ratios for d-amphetamine:l-amphetamine on increasing euphoric mood in man were similar to the previously reported ratios of there two isomers in inducing or exacerbating psychosis in humans. These findings do not support the suggestion, made by Snyder and others, that the differential effects of d-amphetamine vs. l-amphetamine on a specific type of behavior in man could be utilized to infer the predominance of noradrenergic vs. dopaminergic mediation of amphetamine's effects on this behavior.


Effects of chlorpromazine and imipramine on discrimination learning, consolidation, and learned behavior in two inbred strains of mice. Chlorpromazine and imipramine were administered to DBA/2J and C57BL/6J mice swimming in a Y water maze toward a light source (L Procedure, corresponding to innate tendency) or towards the dark (D Procedure, corresponding to the acquisition of a new pattern of behavior). In two sets of experiments the drugs were administered to naive mice before and after each training session, respectively. In both strains, in the pretrial experiments, the innate tendencies were improved by both drugs; the acquisition of a new pattern of behavior was improved following imipramine but impaired following chlorpromazine. In the posttrial experiments (D procedure) the consolidation processes of both strains were improved following imipramine and impaired following chlorpromazine. In a third set of experiments imipramine was administered to previously trained mice of both strains and chlorpromazine to previously trained C57 mice. In both procedures the administration of increasing doses of both drugs was followed by a progressive lenghtening of the swimming times in the previously trained C57 mice; performance disruptions were evident in both procedures in trained DBA mice mice following imipramine.


Discriminative properties of pentobarbital after repeated noncontingent exposure in gerbils. Two groups of gerbils were pretreated with pentobarbital (P-barb.) (10 and 20 mg/kg) for 20 days before being subjected to drug discrimination training in a (T-shaped shock-escape maze. The rapidity with which these gerbils acquired the discrimination was compared to that of gerbils that were drug naive until beginning the P-barb.-discrimination training. The acquisition rates of the respective groups did not differ substantially within each dose level (10 and 20 mg/kg), although open-field activity (primarily the rearing scores) differentiated the P-barb.- and vehicle-pretreated animals at both dose levels. The peak effect in rectal temperature, however, was not markedly different after the first and 20th drug exposures, although the temperature effects leveled off earlier during the second recording session. In conclusion, certain parameters (open-field activity) may be changed as a consequence of repeated administrations of P-barb. without a significant parallel loss of the cue or stimulus properties of the drug.


Effects of orotic acid and pirazetam on cortical bioelectrical activity in rabbits. In order to obtain further evidence of the pharmacological effects of retention-facilitating substances, the influence of sodium-orotate, methylglucamine orotate, and pirazetam on the bioelectrical activity of central nervous system structures were studied. Sodium orotate showed no influence on the cortical and hippocampal spontaneous EEGs of conscious nonimmobilized rabbits. The amplitude of the first surface-positive wave of the cortical evoked potential that was elicited by stimulation of tooth pulp was, however, significantly increased in long-lasting terms by both pirazetam and the two salts of orotic acid. Similarly, the three substances also influenced the changes in excitability induced by PTP of tooth pulp. The findings suggest that these chemicals facilitate in nonspecific manner responses to externally applied stimuli through central structures. The relationships between the altered stimulus response and the retention-facilitating action of these substances are discussed.


The effects of Cannabis sativa on the behavior of adult female chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) in captivity. Indices of locomotory and social activity were quantified during 102 h of daily tests with two pairs of baboons under three conditions: baseline, cannabis administration, and postdrug withdrawal. Six percent of whole dried plants of cannabis (33 g) was incorporated into the daily feed. In one pair, social activity increased during cannabis administration, with no clear effect on locomotory behavior. In the second pair locomotory activity decreased, but there was no consistent change in social interaction. Thus individuals responded differently to the drug, and the social environment of each pair appeared to be implicated as a determining factor.


Drug-induced changes in the maternal behavior of rats. The effect of chlorpromazine and amphetamine (3 mg/kg b.w. injected s.c.) on the maternal behavior of rats was observed on days 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 after the birth of the young. Spontaneous behavior in the presence of the young and contacts with them were recorded in four different testing situations. Both drugs interfered with the maternal behavior of female rats and reduced the duration of contacts with the young. The level of behavioral manifestations depended on the type of experimental procedure.


Expanding lesions of the cervical spinal canal. Attention has recently been directed to decrease in size of the spinal canal, notably in relation to production of posterior osteophytes in spondylosis. Tumors of the cord, roots, or meninges, syringolmyelia and hydromyelia may enlarge sufficiently in size or be critically located so that expansile change of the cervical spinal canal may result.


Backscatter from high atomic number materials in high energy photon beams. High atomic number materials in high-energy photon beams produce an increased radiation level on the side of the material towards the radiation source. This added radiation has been termed backscattered radiation, although it must also contain characteristic radiation from the scattering material. The magnitude and distribution of this radiation were investigated principally for the photon beam from an 8 MeV medical linear accelerator, and also for the beam from a 60Co teletherapy unit.


Influence of prostaglandins and thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) on hormone secretion and growth in wether lambs. A series of experiments were conducted in ewes and whether (castrate male) lambs to evaluate the influence of prostaglandins on secretion of anabolic hormones and to determine if repeated injections of prostaglandin (PG) F2alpha would chronically influence the secretion of these hormones and perhaps growth rate as well. A single intravenous injection of PGA1 and PGB1 (100 microgram/kg) exerted no significant (P greater than .10) influence on plasma concentrations of prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH) or thyrotropin (TSH) in ewes. PGA1, but not PGB1, stimulated an increase in the plasma concentration of insulin. Infusion of PGF2alpha for 5.5 hr into ewes resulted in increased (P less than .05) plasma concentrations of both GH and ARL while TSH and insulin were not significantly influenced. Prostaglandin F2alpha, when injected subcutaneously into wether lambs (10 mg twice weekly) stimulated (P less than .05) plasma GH concentrations after the first injection, but not after 3 weeks of treatment. Changes in plasma PRL or TSH were not observed consistently in the lambs treated chronically with PGF2alpha or TRH. Prostaglandin F2alpha, in the present studies, and PGE1 in previously reported studies (1-3), has been demonstrated to be stimulatory to the secretion of PRL and GH. In contrast, PGA1 and PGB1, which lack an 11-hydroxyl group, failed to influence the secretion of either PRL or GH. It would, therefore, appear that the 11-hydroxyl group is a structural requirement for prostaglandins to influence the secretion of these two hormones in sheep. Treatment with thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), alone or in combination with PGF 2alpha, significantly (P less than .05) increased growth rate (average daily gains) while PGF2alpha did not, despite the fact that both compounds exerted similar effects on plasma GH.


Aspects of bronchial reactivity to prostaglandins and aspirin in asthmatic patients. The behaviour of bronchial reactivity to PGF2alpha was studied in asthmatic patients under various experimental conditions. Premedication with aminophylline, i.v., and, to a lesser extent, with DSCG afforded a partial protection, while beclomethasone dipropionate was inactive under this point of view. Diftalone, a new non-steroid anti-inflammatory agent, was well tolerated in 9 aspirin-intolerant asthmatic patients, and did not modify the bronchial response to PGF2alpha which was found to be generally lower then that of other aspirin-tolerant asthmatic patients. PGE 1-2 and DSCG prevented the bronchospasm induced by inhalation or ingestion of acetylsalicylic acid in a small group of patients. Good protection was also reached with PGE1-2 in the exercise-induced bronchospasm.


Artificial pancreas using living beta cells:. effects on glucose homeostasis in diabetic rats. An artificial pancreas consisting of beta cells cultured on synthetic semipermeable hollow fibers was tested in rats with alloxan-induced diabetes. When implanted ex vivo as arteriovenous shunts in the circulatory system these devices lowered concentrations of plasma glucose from 533 to between 110 and 130 milligrams per 100 milliliters, increased concentrations of plasma insulin, and restored intravenous glucose tolerance tests essentially to normal.


Orthogenesis of the hominids: an exploration using biorthogonal grids. In 1917, D'Arch Thompson suggested that one should study the change from one biological form to another by examining the unique mathematical object that maps between them in accord with biological homologies. Biorthogonal grids provide a particular coordinate system for visualizing such a map and lead to a quantitative syntax in which a change in shape is reduced to differential changes in size. Application of the method to hominid skull phylogeny has demonstrated three principal axes of evolutionary change anatomically homologous over a fossil sequence.


Purine nucleoside phosphorylase deficiency: altered kinetic properties of a mutant enzyme. Erythrocyte purine nucleoside phosphorylase from two brothers had 0.5% of normal activity. It differed from the normal enzyme by a tenfold increase in the Michaelis constant for inosine, an inability of inosine to protect against thermal lability, and a more positive net charge. The altered kinetic properties may account for the milder disease in the patients compared to the previously described cases. The data provide evidence for a structural gene mutation and genetic heterogeneity in the new disease of purine nucleoside phosphorylase deficiency and T cell dysfunction.


Responses of macaque lateral geniculate cells to luminance and color figures. The spatial tuning of macaque lateral geniculate neurones was compared for luminance-based and color-based lines. Lines of various widths were flashed on and centered on the cell's receptive field, and the size of the increase or decrease in firing was noted. Luminance-based lines consisted of 0.7 log unit increments or decrements. Color-based lines consisted of shifts in wavelength with no change in luminance, e.g., from a red field to a green line on a red field. The cell fired most to intermediate widths of luminance-based lines, but to the widest pure-color lines.


Brightness contrast effects in monkey lateral geniculate nucleus. Brightness contrast effects shown by single cells in the macaque's lateral geniculate nucleus were studied with black and white lines of various widths, consisting of either: (1) "simultaneous contrast" stimuli in which the line was produced by luminance changes in the flanking areas or (2) "successive contrast" stimuli in which the line itself changed in luminance. Line widths that gave optimal responses and response magnitudes themselves were similar for the two types of stimulus, except for the widest lines used (2 degrees). Thus, simultaneous brightness contrast is a primary determinant of the response of primate LGN cells but only within 2 degrees of the center of the receptive field. Neural processing up to this level cannot therefore explain the long distance effects of simultaneous brightness contrast in human perception.


Zinc and total parenteral nutrition.

Zinc and total parenteral nutrition. Present knowledge of trace element nutritional requirements and the effects of TPN solutions unsupplemented with zinc indicate that zinc supplementation must be considered for any patient receiving prolonged TPN. Zinc sulfate appears to be the supplement of choice, and infusions of freeze-dried plasma appear to be an unsatisfactory method for supplying zinc, even during short-term therapy. As long as accepted dosage regimens are followed, there appears to be little risk of toxicity when TPN solutions are supplemented with zinc.


Private health insurance in 1975: coverage, enrollment, and financial experience. More improvement in the scope than in the quality of private health insurance coverage took place during 1975. Four-fifths of the population under age 65 was covered for hospital and surgical care, and nearly that proportion was protected against the costs of physicians' in-hospital visits, X-ray and laboratory examinations, and prescribed out-of-hospital drugs. The $33.6 billion in premiums paid by consumers resulted in the return of only $28.9 billion in benefits, which covered just 44% of their total personal health care expenditures. Major-medical insurance, held by an estimated 43% of the population, helped to overcome some of the deficiencies of private insurance--dollar limitations on health care services, ceilings on the duration of hospital stays, and exclusions for some types of care. It also provided economic protection against catastrophic expenses. Premiums and subscription income rose faster than benefits as private insurers attempted to keep their coverage in line with rising health care costs. The overall underwriting gain was due largely to a $952.4 million gain in group business by the insurance companies.


Effect of intravenous near isosmotic nutrient infusions on nitrogen balance in critically ill injured patients. Hypocaloric near isosmotic infusions of crystalline amino acids have the same effect on nitrogen balance as do equal caloric infusions of glucose in burned patients with and without bacteremia. The effects of the two substrates on balance appeared equal and additive. Infusion of a 10 per cent soybean oil emulsion was indistinguishable from low dosage glucose when administered with amino acids. Near isosmotic hypocaloric diets containing glucose and amino acids significantly diminish nitrogen loss in severely burned patients. A combination of both substrates in the infusate is to be preferred.


Long-term surface stimulation of the cerebellum in the monkey. I. Light microscopic, electrophysiologic, and clinical observations. The effects of chronic implantation of platinum electrodes over the surface of the cerebellum and of stimulation through these electrodes was studied in monkeys. Stimulation parameters were similar to those used in epileptic human beings; two animals received continous stimulation and two received intermittent stimulation in eight-minute on-off cycles. Both stimulating and non-stimulating electrodes became encapsulated in dense reactive fibrous tissue. As determined by light microscopy, continous stimulation resulted in widespread loss or damage to Purkinje cells. Intermittent stimulation led to damage similar in extent to mechanical damage caused by control electrodes. The impedance of the stimulating electrodes was higher after long-term than short-term implnatation and increased progressively in animals stimulated intermittently. There were no clinical neurological signs of cerebellar dysfunction, even in animals with extensive damage.


Long-term surface stimulation of the cerebellum in the monkey. II. Electron microscopic and biochemical observations. Phase and electron microscopy were used to study the effects of chronic intermittent or continuous stimulation applied to the surface of the cerebellum with bipolar platinum electrodes in monkeys. Damage under the anodes consisted of swelling of neuropil, variable loss of Purkinje cells, and a variable increase in fibrous glial processes. Under the cathode there was marked loss of Purkinje cells, thinning of the molecular layer, moderate swelling, occasional phagocytes with lipofuscin granules, and often an increase of fibrous glial processes. Despite the damage, normal appearing synaptic terminals remained in all layers under both anode and cathode, though sparser in fibrotic areas Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentrations were decreased beneath the cathodes, reflecting the loss of Purkinje cells and other GABA-containing cells, and spermidine concentrations were increased in areas with increased fibrous glial processes.


The operative management of von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis in children, with special reference to lesions of the head and neck. Eighty-five patients with von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis were seen at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh from 1952 through 1976. Nineteen of these patients had significant head or neck extracranial lesions. Based upon these and a personal series of seven other head and neck patients, we emphasize several critical points in the care of these patients: (1) large, painful, conspicuous, or strategically placed tumors should be removed: (2) early removal is easier and improves cosmetic results; (3) neck and chest tumors carry a high risk of subsequent rapid vertebral angulation with possible paralysis; (4) close observation allows timely application of appropriate surgical procedures.


Antibiotic resistance transfer from nonpathogenic to pathogenic bacteria. Alcaligenes species is a common contaminant of "wet" environmental areas on the surgical ward. Although thought to be a nonpathogenic organism, recent clinical experience on the burn and trauma service has led us to believe that antibiotic resistance transfer may occur between Alcaligenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To evaluate this possibility, germ-free mice were contaminated with Alcaligenes species, which quickly established in the animals' gastrointestinal tracts. These animals then were burned and the wound was seeded with additional Alcaligenes. After 72 hours the average bacterial count was 4.5 X 10(6) cells/gm of tissue, and all animals survived. Ten additional germ-free mice were contaminated with a resistant (Amikacin, tobramycin, gentamicin, and Sisomicin) Alcaligenes species. When a Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain sensitive to these antibiotics was introduced into the environment, it rapidly overgrew the Alcaligenes species but developed resistance to those four antibiotics to which it had been sensitive previously. These animals were then subjected to a 10 second immersion burn, and the wound was seeded with the same strain of Alcaligenes. The Pseudomonas quickly overgrew the Alcaligens on the burn wound and became established, with an average count being 5.2 X 10(8) cells/gm of tissue. When this experiment was repeated, establishing antibiotic sensitive Pseudomonas in the germ-free animals prior to inoculation of resistant Alcaligenes, the R-transfer again occurred but required a longer time.


The effect of vidarabine on the development of the offspring of rats, rabbits, and monkeys. The effect of vidarabine, a new antiviral agent, on the offspring of rats, rabbits, and monkeys was studied by varying routes of administration during several periods of gestation. Vidarabine demonstrated a dose-related teratogenic effect in rats when given parenterally at doses of 30 mg/kg and greater. The drug was also teratogenic in the rabbit at dosages of 5 mg/kg and greater by the parenteral route or when applied topically in 10% concentration to 5 or 10% of the body surface area. The pattern of malformation was similar in the two species, and consisted of multiple, severe abnormalities of the head, trunk, and limbs. The drug had no demonstrable teratogenic effect in a limited study in the rhesus monkey; nor were there adverse effects on the offspring when it was applied intravaginally to pregnant rats in the perinatal period.


Cleft palate following prenatal food restriction in mice: association with elevated maternal corticosteroids. Following food restriction of pregnant CD-1 mice, the maternal serum corticosteroid levels and incidence of skeletal and visceral abnormalities of the progeny were determined. Dams from the groups receiving restricted food on gestation days 6 to 15 had increased resorptions, and the progeny had delayed ossification of the skeleton with cleft palate accompanied by delayed ossification of the presphenoid bone. The incidence and intensity of these changes was correlated with the level of food restriction. The incidence of cleft palate for progeny from dams receiving 4.0 to 2.5 g of feed per day ranged from 6.3% to 100.0%, respectively. Serum corticosteroid levels of pregnant control and food restricted dams were similar on gestation day 10, but the levels of food restricted dams were 6 to 10 times greater than controls on gestation day 15. Thus cleft palate, delayed skeletal ossification, and increased resorptions are predictably produced by food restriction of CD-1 mice and were highly correlated with the elevated endogenous serum corticosteroid levels.


Syndrome of congenital ventricular diverticulum and midline thoraco-abdominal defects. The long-term follow-up of a 30-year-old patient who had a correction of the syndrome of left ventricular diverticulum and thoraco-abdominal defects is presented. The main features of the syndrome include a diverticulum of the left ventricle, a ventricular septal defect, and sometimes other cardiac anomalies. The thoraco-abdominal defects consist of foreshortened sternum, pericardial and diaphragmatic defects, and umbilical hernia. The association of these anomalies is thought to be due to a developmental failure of the primitive paramidline mesoderm. The diagnosis can be made clinically by the presence of a pulsatile, epigastric mass associated with signs of cardiac septal defects and dextrocardia. The prognosis of patients with this syndrome depends mainly on the associated abnormalities although rupture of the diverticulum can be a fatal complication. The treatment of choice is resection of the diverticulum combined with repair of associated anomalies which can give good early and late results.


Contribution to the standardization of brucella abortus antigens and antisera for agglutination tests by photo-electric measurement. Variations in the dose-response curve were graphically and arithmetically represented for the serum agglutination test in brucellosis, instances being given of the use in field conditions of a method of standardizing antigens and testing reference sera compared with standard preparations.


Fixation of platelets for scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A double fixation method of preparing platelet suspensions for both scanning and transmission electron microscopy is outlined. Prefixation in 0.1% glutaraldehyde allows for immediate preservation of morphologic characteristics induced by experimental procedures, but does not completely destroy platelet surface stickiness. Preservation of surface stickiness allows subsequent production of a platelet pellet for processing for transmission electron microscopy. This pelleting cannot be achieved when higher initial concentrations of glutaraldehyde are used for prefixation. Prefixation in 0.1% glutaraldehyde is also an appropriate initial step for preservation of platelets in suspension for scanning electron microscopy.


A comparison of the pathogenesis of protein-energy malnutrition in Uganda and The Gambia. The pattern of growth, biochemical and endocrine development, dietary intake and disease patterns of rural children in Uganda and The Gambia have been monitored during the first three years of life in order to gain a more complete understanding of the reasons why in Uganda kwashiorkor predominates, whereas in The Gambia it is marasmus. Evidence is produced which supports the view that the hormonal balance, particularly cortisol and insulin status, can have a profound influence on which organs of the body are preferentially affected by malnutrition and hence on the type of protein-energy malnutrition which is likely to emerge. There were, however, also important differences in protein and energy intake between the two countries.


The identification by isoenzyme patterns of two distinct strain-groups of Trypanosoma cruzi, circulating independently in a rural area of Brazil. Culture forms of 17 Trypanosoma cruzi stocks, primarily isolated from a rural area of endemic Chagas disease at São Felipe, Bahia, Brazil, were compared by the electrophoretic patterns of six enzymes: aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase (decarb-oxylating) (NADP+), glucosephosphate isomerase and phosphoglucomutase. Two markedly distinct combinations of isoenzyme patterns were seen, justifying the arrangement of the 17 stocks into two strain-groups, each of which was enzymically homogeneous. One combination was characteristic of the 11 domestic stocks of T. cruzi derived from both human infections and domiciliated animals; the second was characteristic of the six sylvatic stocks derived from opossums and a sylvatic triatomine species. The enzyme patterns were independent of the original host and the type of culture medium used. Distinction of the two strain-groups accords with epidemiological evidence that the domestic and sylvatic transmission cycles in São Felipe do not overlap. It is suggested that the diverse enzyme characters of the two strain-groups circulating in São Felipe reflect diverse origins; the domestic form of T. cruzi probably invaded the area from the south of Brazil with the domestic triatomine vector, Panstrongylus megistus.


A yellow fever epizootic in Zika forest, Uganda, during 1972: Part 1: Virus isolation and sentinel monkeys. The results of the yellow fever immunity survey of Central and East Africa reported by SAWYER & WHITMAN in 1936 prompted scientists to undertake well-planned epidemiological studies on yellow fever in eastern Africa. A Yellow Fever Research Institute (the present East African Virus Research Institute) was established at Entebbe in 1936 for this purpose. One of the areas where much work has been carried out is a strip of typical tropical forest, the Zika Forest, 12 kilometres from the Institute. Routine surveillance work, particularly on the biting activity of the yellow fever vector mosquitoes, has been going on since 1946. It was during one of these studies in 1972 that the first yellow fever virus strain was isolated from Aedes africanus collected from the Zika and Sisa forests and one strain was isolated from Coquillettidia fuscopennata, also from the Zika Forest. Three sentinel rhesus monkeys, nomimmune to YF, which were kept in the Zika Forest during the time of the epizootic died of YF disease. The present observations indicate that YF is still present in Africa, and as such it still remains a potential menace to the human population. The epidemiological implications are discussed.


Comparative survival of pancreatic islets, heart, kidney, and skin allografts in rats, with and without enhancement. Enhancement of (AS X Aug)F1 pancreatic islet allograft survival in diabetic AS rats was achieved by treating the recipient with a course of antidonor antiserum. Their survival in both untreated and treated recipients was compared with the survival of transplanted heart, kidney, and skin allografts similarly treated. The islet allografts in the untreated group were rejected by a mean of 3.2 days whereas the other allografts were rejected by a mean of 8.3 days. In the enhanced group all of the kidney allografts, 7 of 11 heart allografts, and 4 of 10 islet allografts had a prolonged survival, whereas none of the skin allografts had a prolonged survival. Islet allografts are thus more susceptible to rejection than other tissues, but their survival can be prolonged using specific immunosuppression. The reasons for the increased susceptibility to rejection are discussed.


[Radiographic findings in Rhesus monkeys experimentally infected with African lung flukes (Paragonimus africanus and P. uterobilateralis) (author's transl)]. The radiographic pattern in the course of experimentally infected Rhesus monkeys with the two African fluke species Paragonimus africanus and P. uterobilateralis consist of hilar dilatation, streaky, patchy or diffuse shadows, cavities, atelectases and pleural reactions. All animals develop changes in both lungs, those infected with P. africanus preferentially in the lower parts. There is an obvious correlation with the autopsy findings in the same animals as well as radiological features in human infections in the endemic area.


[Histopathological alterations in rhesus monkeys after experimental infections with African lung flukes (Paragonimus africanus and P. uterobilateralis) (author's transl)]. Histopathological observations in monkeys experimentally infected with African lung flukes are reported. The observations were made on 3 Rhesus monkeys, infected with Paragonimus africanus from West-Cameroon, and on 5 Rhesus monkeys, infected with P. uterobilateralis from Eastern Nigeria. For comparison, the lung of a naturally infected Drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus) was included in the study. The following lesions were found: formation of parasite cavernae, intense infiltration of the cavern wall with plasma cells; formation of egg granulomata in the lung tissue with intense plasma cell infiltration; peribronchial and perivascular cellular infiltration, concomitant and consistent pleuritis; reactive cellular hyperplasia of hilar lymph nodes and of spleen. Evidently, in the stages of infection examined so far, the immune response of the host is mainly of the humoral type. Experimental Paragonimus infections in monkeys may serve as a model in studies on human paragonimiasis in Eastern Nigeria and West-Cameroon. Likewise, they may serve in studies on granulomatous inflammation.


Studies on Theileriidae (Sporozoa) in Tanzania. VII. Additional note on the transmission of Theileria parva. Rhipicephalus evertsi successfully transmitted fatal East Coast fever (Theileria parva infection) in one experiment. A second one gave negative results, as did an attempted transmission of T. PARVA BY Amblyomma variegatum.


Isolation of a Theileria species from Eland (Taurotragus oryx) infective for cattle. Theileria infections were induced in cattle by feeding ticks on them from 3 sources: (a) adult rhipicephalid ticks obtained from the vegetation in a paddock containing an eland EAO at the Animal Orphanage, Nairobi National Park, Kenya, (b) Rhipicephalus appendiculatus adults fed as nymphs on the same eland, (c) R. pulchellus adults fed as nymphs on an eland W 68 captured in the Machakos district of Kenya. Both eland were harbouring Theileria parasites at the time nymphal ticks were fed. Mild infections were produced when adult ticks from these 3 batches were applied to cattle associated with low numbers of schizonts and piroplasms. The indirect fluorescent antibody test demonstrated that cattle recovered from infections resulting from the above 3 tick batches from eland W 68 and EAO produced antibodies which reacted with schizont antigen of the Theileria species (eland) and Theileria species (Githunguri) which had been isolated from cattle and not to antigens of other Theileria species used. The cattle recovered from the Theileria species (eland) were fully susceptible to a lethal challenge of a T. parva (Muguga) stabilate. It was concluded that the Theileria species (eland) and Theileria species (Githunguri) may be closely related and could represent a new species of Theileria infective to cattle.


Passive immunization of mice against Trypanosoma cruzi using convalescent mouse serum. Groups of 10 mice were infected by the s.c. injection of blood trypomastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi, strains "Y" and "Tulahuen". They were injected i.p. with convalescent mouse-anti-T. cruzi serum (CMATS) at various times. A single dose of CMATS (Y) was most effective when injected one day after homologous infection -31 of 40 mice survived the infection, whereas all controls, both untreated and injected with normal serum, died. CMATS was significantly less effective in treating mice infected with the Tulahuen strain. Sera from animals immunized with killed epimastigotes or trypomastigotes showed only very slight passive immunizing properties.


[Chromosomes of 3 lymphoblastoid suspension cell lines obtained from baboons with malignant lymphoma]. Three suspension cell lines from bone marrow (BMPH-1) and spleens (SPH-2 and SPH-3) of hamadryas baboons with haematosarcoma were presented by analogous lymphoid type cells of a high proliferative activity. The modal class of cells in all the three lines was presented by diploids and pseudodiploids, though there was a significant admixture of heterodiploid and subtriploid cells and cells having various types of marker chromosomes. The reconstructed chromosome 1 and satellite chromosomes dominated among the marker chromosomes indicating their relatively greater mutability. No change was observed in Giemsa-banding during a year's cultivation of all three cell lines. The total number of weakly and poorly differentiating chromosomes in aneuploids is more variable compared to the number of well differentiating chromosomes, due, presumably, to a lesser biological significance of the former.


[Study of populations of nuclear RNA of rat liver cells after short-term exposure to a carcinogen]. RNA-DNA hybridization in a solution with DNA excess was employed. Rat's livers were given one injection of 4-dimethylaminoazobenzene, and, when compared 24 hours afterwards with livers from normal untreated rats, demonstrated an altered transcription. The hybridization capacity of the nuclear RNA isolated from carcinogen-treated livers is lower than that of the control RNA. The changes observed in the carcinogen treated RNA population may be due to changes in the rate of transcription in DNA sites.


[Trace changes in the quantity of RNA in neurons and neuroglia of the hypothalamic nuclei of the brain following short-term intermittent exposure to cold]. Adult albino rats were kept for 2 minutes at --20 degrees C, then for 5 minutes at 25 degrees C, this intermittent cooling being repeated 15 times. One hour after the end of the cooling, the RNA quantity per cell was determined by means of visible cytospectrophotometry to find the increase in the cytoplasm of medial preoptic area neurons and in the nuclei of their glial satellite cells as well as in the nuclei of the perineuronal glial cells of mammillary bodies. Two days after the rats had stayed at the room temperature, these RNA changey bodies the RNA content decreased. 3 days later, the RNA content in the whole neuron--neuroglia unit of the preoptic area returned to normal, while in the neurons and neuroglia of mammillary bodies augmented markedly: this augmentation was found as late as 15 days after the cessation of the cooling. 30 days after the end of the cooling, the RNA quantity in the mammillary body neurons returned to normal, whiel in the neuroglia of this hypothalamic nucleus decreased even lower than the normal level. The authors discuss the problem of a so-called "vegetative memory" and of the involvement of hypothalamic neuron--neuroglia units in the metabolism tranformation dealing with a consolidation of this memory.


Vasectomy in rhesus monkeys I. Surgical techniques and gross observations. Vasectomy and vaso-occlusion techniques were used in 47 male rhesus monkeys to maximize and minimize the amount of sperm allowed to escape from the vas into surrounding tissues for up to seventy-two weeks postoperatively. Body weight changes and blood clinical data indicated that the general health of all the monkeys remained good. Normal seasonal changes in body weights and testicular volumes suggested that there were no disturbances to the endocrine system and that the monkeys remained responsive to seasonal environmental stimuli. Vasectomy appears to cause no short-term deleterious effects in the rhesus monkeys, based on observations made during the seventy-two weeks that these monkeys were study after vasectomy. This conclusion agrees with the findings of other investigators.


[Study of bone tissue insoluble collagen hydrolysis by Streptomyces griseus protease using the method of N-terminal analysis]. Str. griseus protease hydrolyzes essentially insoluble collagen of bone tissue, with 34.5% of protein solubilized and 6.0% of peptide bonds splitted. 60.0 M of N-terminal amino acids is formed per 10(5) g of protein, out of them 16.8 in the fraction of free amino acids, 32.3 M in the fraction of soluble DNP-peptides and 10.9 M in that of insoluble DNP-peptides. Under the effect of trypsin the amount of collagen changing to the soluble form is thrice as low and the splitted peptide bonds are ten times as low as in case of the Str. griseus protease action. The peptide bonds incorporating the N-end of serine, threonine, glycine are more available for protease. It is supposed that under used conditions Str. griseus protease hydrolyzes not only telepeptides but also the main molecule of collagen.


[Ascorbic acid levels in the bronchopneumonia of calves]. The level of ascorbic acid in the blood plasma of 59 calves was determined. The age of the calves ranged between two and three months and the samples of blood were collected in January. The first group of calves included 30 animals displaying no clinical symptoms of disease: the average ascorbic acid level was 0.50 +/- 0.18 mg per 100 ml. In the second group, consisting of 19 calves, the blood of the animals was collected three weeks after the termination of the acute stage of bronchopneumonia; the average value of ascorbic acid was 0.30 +/- 0.14 mg per 100 ml. The lowest average value of ascorbic acid was obtained in the calves at an acute stage of bronchopneumonia, reaching 0.18 +/- 0.11 mg per 100 ml. The differences of results between groups I and II and between groups I and III were found to be statistically significant. A conspicuous drop of ascorbic acid level was ascertained in calves suffering from bronchopneumonia-this problem needs deeper scrutiny, owing to the fact that bronchopneumonia is responsible for considerable economic losses in large-capacity calf houses.


[Changes of the clinico-biochemical indices in the rumirid juice and urine in experimental aflatoxicosis of dairy cows]. The health condition and course of fermentation processes in the rumen were studied in four cows of the Red Spotted breed at the age of four to nine years. The clinico-biochemical indices in the rumen liquor and urine were used. The experimental animals were exposed to a mixture of aflatoxins applied in the dose of 200 mg B1 and 80 mg B2. The toxic action of aflatoxins manifested itself as inappetence, increased temperature, changes in the pulse and respiration rate and reduced activity of the proventriculi. Diarrhoea was observed in two animals. The pH value, total acidity and ammonia level in rumen liquor ranged within the limits of reference values. The significant drop of the production of volatile fatty acids with changes in their proportions and a reduction of the acetic acid level with a simultaneous increase of the percentage of butyric acid testity to a disorder in the activity of rumen microflora. The reduction of the number of infusorians as a biological indicator of fermentation processes proves the correctness of this assumption. During the elimination of aflatoxins through the kidneys the function of the kidneys is impaired, showed proteinuria, ketonuria, glycosuria and haematuria.


[Dynamics of urea concentration in cockerels during the 1st month of life]. The concentration of urea in the blood serum of 190 cockerels (The Primant commercial hybrid) was determined by means of diacetylmonoxim (Homolka, 1971). Uremia reached values from 0 to 23.20 +/- 5.29 mg per 100 ml. A high individual variability of uremia was found.


[Circadian rhythmicity of urea concentration in the liver and blood serum of cockerels]. The circadian rhythmicity of urea concentration was studied in 70 12-day-old cockerels (the Primant commercial hybrid). Urea in the liver homogenate supernatant and in the blood serum was determined by means of diacetylmonoxim (Homolka, 1971). The cockerels were killed in four-hour intervals. Urea concentration in the liver reached its peak at 15.30 o'clock (123.36 +/- 6.32 in conversion to wet tissue or 0.308 +/- 0.01 mg of nitrogen per 100 mg). The circadian rhythmicity of uremia generally coincided with the rhythmicity of urea in the liver.