[Cytostatic therapy of gastro-intestinal carcinomas (author's transl)]. The incidence of gastro-intestinal carcinomas in man is rather high as compared to other organ systems; results of cytostatic or x-ray therapy of these tumors, however, on the other hand are rather poor. The majority of malignant tumors of the gastro-intestinal tract metastasizes within 3 years, with the exception of early cancer of the esophagus and stomach, which may be cured completely by surgery in 80-90% of cases if it is detected early enough. After dissemination has occurred, chemotherapy and x-ray therapy may only serve to improve subjective symptoms. 5-Fluorouracil and Methyl-CNU may be effective as palliative therapy in relieving symptoms--as monotherapy in 17-20%, in combination in 25% of all cases. Both substances are increasingly being used in recent times along with substances stimulating the immune system. Controlled prospective clinical studies are needed in the future in order to elucidate the role of additional cytostatic therapy in patients with malignant tumors of the gastro-intestinal tract.


Political terrorism.

Political terrorism. International terrorism has increased rapidly and become more menacing. Its main aim is psychological: to spread fear and undermine morale for political blackmail. It is not to be confused with a guerilla war of national liberation. In self-protection the free world must combine against terrorist attacks on innocent civilians, taking of hostages, hijacking of aircraft and involvement of third-party countries.


[Serological relationship between candida and salmonella]. To investigate the reported relationship among certain candida and Salmonella C1 group O antigen, an antigen and antiserum from C. albicans strain, isolated in our institute from patient, and another antigen and antiserum prepared from S. cholera suis strain were used. On the other hand C. melinii, which does not share any antigen with Salmonella, and S. newport antigen and antiserum, sharing no antigen with C. albicans were used as negative controls. C. albicans antigen and antiserum available in our institute, gave positive results with Salmonella C1 group O antigen and antiserum. The same titers were obtained as in the literature reports.


[Correlation among different Candida tropicalis, Candida rhagii and Salmonella cholerae suis 0 6,7 antigen]. The immune sera for Candida tropicalis (C. benhamii) CBS-5701, Candida tropicalis (C. vulgaris) CBS-2310 and C. rhagii (C. tropicalis v. rhagii) CBS-618 agglutinated Salmonella cholarae suis 211 (0 6,7). The immune serum for S. cholerae suis agglutinated C. tropicalis (C. benhamii), C. tropicalis (C. vulgaris) and C. rhagii (C. tropicalis v. rhagii). Absorption and agglutination cross tests demonstrated common antigen factors in the tested species and in S. cholerae suis (0 6,7).


Ultraviolet-mediated antibiotic activity of species of Compositae caused by polyacetylenic compounds. A survey of North, Central, and South American composites, and of certain polyacetylenic compounds occurring in them, confirmed that the ultraviolet-mediated antibiotic activity against Candida albicans can be ascribed to the presence of particular polyacetylenes and their thiophene derivatives. Leaves, stems, roots, and achenes were assayed separately. An attempt was made to relate the phototoxic activity of specific compounds to their chemical structures. Most composites tested were not phototoxic against Candida, but many were antibiotic. The antibiotic activity also appears to be caused by polyacetylenes. Of 65 sequiterpene lactones assayed, only a few were found to be antibiotic, and only one, glaucolide G, was phototoxic.


[Serologic specificity of various Candida membranaefaciens and Candida rugosa strains]. C. membranaefaciens (C. majoricensis) CBS-2875 and C. rugosa 829 strains were agglutinated strongly with 0 6,7 agglutinating serum of S. cholerae suis. On the other hand the same gave a negative result with C. membranaefaciens CBS-1952 and C. rugosa (C. rugosa v. elegans) CBS-1948. These results can be considered in way of identification of the mentioned Candida types.


[Serum immunoglobulin and glycoprotein concentration and mesenchymal reaction in chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis]. In the liver needle biopsy specimens of 45 patients with hepatitis chronica persistents, hepatitis chronica aggressiva and cirrhosis of the liver the number of lymphoid cells and fibroblasts, and in the serum of the same patients concentration of IgG, IgA, IgM, alfa-2-macroglobulin and coeuroplasmin was examined. It was established that 1. the number of lymphoid cells and fibroblasts in the liver tissue of patients with hepatitis chronica aggressiva and cirrhosis of the liver increases significantly, 2. there exists a correlation between the number of lymphoid cells and the concentration of IgG, 3. the serum level of the alfa-2-macroglobulin increases parallely with the number of fibroblasts of the liver in hepatitis chronica aggressive and in cirrhosis of the liver.


Detection of prostatic cancer by solid-phase radioimmunoassay of serum prostatic acid phosphatase. We compared our radioimmunoassay with the standard enzyme assay for prostatic acid phosphatase in the diagnosis of prostatic cancer. Serum samples from 50 controls, 113 patients with prostatic cancer, 36 with benign prostatic hyperplasia, 83 with other cancers, 20 with gastrointestinal disorders and 28 with total prostatectomies were randomized and studied by radioimmunoassay and enzyme assay. When the upper limit was set at 8.0 ng per milliliter (mean + 4 S.D.) the radioimmunoassay diagnosed prostatic cancer in 33, 79, 71 and 92 per cent of the patients with Stage I, II, III and IV disease. In contrast, the enzyme assay detected elevations of enzyme in the serum of 12, 15, 29, and 60 per cent respectively. No false-positive results were detected by either assay in normal controls but the radioimmunoassay test was positive in two patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, in one patient after total prostatectomy, in nine with other cancers and in one of the group with gastrointestinal disorders. In contrast to the enzyme assay, the radioimmunoassay distinguished over half the cases of intracapsular prostatic cancer.


Detection of acceptor sites on human lymphocytes for antigen-specific T cell factors. Mouse antigen-specific T cell factors are absorbed by human peripheral blood lymphocytes at acceptor sites. The acceptors are products of HLA-linked genes, which may be human immune response genes.


Virological and immunological characteristics of tumors induced in adult rats by Rous sarcoma. Forty primary tumors of Wistar rats and first seven passages of tumors of August rats were investigated by different virological and immunological methods. The tumors were induced in adult rats by Schmidt--Ruppin strain of Rous sarcoma. Based on the virus-cell interaction, the tumors were divided into four groups. The first group of tumors of Wistar rats (2 out of 40) contained mature RSV and viral antigens could be detected by means of the FA test, while the rats had virus neutralizing antibodies in their sera. The second group of Wistar rat tumors (19 out of 40) and August rats tumors contained virus connected with the cells. The third group was composed of "virus-free" tumors of Wistar rats (8 out of 40). Application of the method of cells association increased rescue RSV in tumors of the 2nd group by 2--4 fold and caused activation of the virus in tumors of the 3rd group. Irradiation of rat tumor cells with a dose of 5000-10 000 R did not enhance the rescue or activation of oncogenic virus in any case. In tumors of the second and third group viral antigen was detected by the FA test in 47% and gs antigen by the CF test in 17%. gs antibodies were found in 29% of the sera from rats with these tumors. The 4th group of Wistar rats tumors were "virus-free" (11 out of 40) showing a negative effect of RSV activation. These tumors with one exception contained no virus antigen, and there were no antibodies against them in sera of the rats.


Morphologic and immunologic studies in experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis and myasthenia gravis. An indirect immunoperoxidase technique was used to study by light microscopy the binding of serum from experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) rabbits to junctionally and extrajunctionally located acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in human and rat muscles. Binding was restricted to junctional AChR. Alpha bungarotoxin (a-BGT) partially blocked the binding of EAMG serum, while myasthenia gravis serum, carbamylcholine, decamethonium, and tubocurarine did not. A radioimmunoassay showed significant binding of antibodies in EAMG sera to 125l AChR. This binding was not inhibited by a-BGT, nor by carbamylcholine, decamethonium, or tubocurarine. Sera from 10 myasthenia gravis patients did not contain antibodies binding to the 125l AChR. We suggest that EAMG in rabbits induced by Torpedo AChR differs serologically from myasthenia gravis in patients, probably owing to antigenic differences between Torpedo and human AChR, and that antigenic differences also exist between junctional and extrajunctional receptors.


The syntheiss of high yields of full-length reverse transcripts of globin mRNA. Conditions have been determined under which reverse transcriptase catalyzes the synthesis of the high yields of full length complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA). These conditions depend not only on the cencentration of deoxynucleoside triphosphates (1) but also on the concentration of reverse transcriptase. An analysis of the kinetics of cDNA synthesis and the size of cDNA synthesized as a function of time under different conditions indicates that the mechanism of action of reverse transcriptase is partially distributive. This accounts for the necessity of a high enzyme concentration to obtain high yields of full length cDNA. Additional experiments indicate that the yield of cDNA is limited by the fact that the template mRNA is rapidly inactivated. This is most likely due to the fact that the product cDNA is hydrogen bonded to the template mRNA during synthesis.


DNA double-strand breaks and alkali-labile bonds produced by bleomycin. Both in linear T2 DNA, analyyzed by velocity sedimentation, and in supercoiled Col EL DNA, analyzed by gel electrophoresis, the number of double-strand breaks produced by bleomycin was directly propotional to the number of single-strand breaks and was far greater than the number expected from random coincidence of single-strand breaks, suggesting that the bleomycin-induced double-strand breaks occur as an independent event. In Col EL DNA, at least twice as many single-strand breaks were found under alkaline assay conditions as were found under neutral conditions, showing the production of alkaline-labile bonds by bleomycin.


The effect of magnesium and manganese ions on the structure and template activity for reverse transcriptase of polyribocytidylate and its 2'-0-methyl derivative. The secondary structure of the hydrogen bonded hybrids polycytidylate-oligodeoxguanylate (poly(rC)-(dG)12-18 and poly (2'-oMe) cytidylate-oligodeoxyguanylate (poly (rCm)-(dG)12-18 was studied at several magnesium and manganese ion concentrations. These hybrids are effective template-primer complexes for the synthesis of poly(dG) by avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV) DNA polymerase under disparate ionic conditions. Circular dichroism spectra and thermal melting data were obtained as a function of ion concentration, including conditions that allow optimum rates of poly (dG) synthesis by each complex. These studies demonstrate that both hybrids can change conformation and stability depending on their ionic environment. Comparison of enzyme activity and physical data suggest that the polymerase recognizes particular secondary structure features. Changes in the activity of the AMV polymerase can be induced by varying the Mg++ and Mn++ concentrations alone and in combination. These variations in enzyme activity are correlated with observed changes in the base-stacking alignment of the synthetic template primers. The ions, therefore, seem to affect enzyme activity by altering the conformation of the polnucleotide complexes.


Biologic activities of poly (2-azaadenylic acid) and poly (2-azainosinic acid). Poly (2-azaadenylic acid) [(aza2A)n] and poly(2-azainosinic acid [(aza2I)n], two newly synthesized analogues of (A)n and (I)n, in which CH-2 of the purine ring is replaced by a nitrogen atom, have been evaluated in various biological assay systems. (Aza2A) n formed a complex with (U)n and (br5U)n, and (aza2I)n formed a complex with (C)n and (br5C)n, but these complexes were markedly destabilized relative to the corresponding (A)n or (I)n complexes. The (aza2A)n-and (aza2I)n-derived complexes failed to stimulate the production of interferon in primary rabbit kidney cells and human diploid fibroblasts, under conditions (A)n. (U)n, (I)n. (C)n and (I)n. (br5C)n induced high amounts of interferon. both (aza2A)n and (aza2I)n exerted a marked inhibitory effect on the endogenous RNA directed DNA polymerase (reverse transcriptase) activity associated with murine leukemia virus. They caused a relatively mild inhibition of complement activity in an hemolytic assay system.


Mouse cytolytic T lymphocytes induced by xenogeneic rat stimulator cells exhibit specificity for H-2 complex alloantigens. When mouse spleen cells were stimulated with irradiated xenogeneic, allogeneic, or trinitrophenyl-modified syngeneic lymphoid cells, the strongest cytolytic response was induced by alloantigens. Mouse cytolytic T lymphocytes generated to rat lymphoid cells demonstrated specificity for the immunizing rat strain, but extensive lysis of allogeneic target cells from certain mouse strains was also observed. Cold target inhibition studies indicated that separate clones of xenoantigen-induced cytolytic T lymphocytes lysed each of the allogeneic murine targets. [3H]Thymidine suicide of the effector cells generated to the rat stimulators revealed that only some of all potentially reactive  mouse cytolytic T lymphocyte precursors with specificity for a given allogeneic target are activated by the stimulation with rat cells. This evidence that xenoantigens induce alloreactive cytolytic T lymphocyte receptor repertoire is directed at variants of autologous major histocompatibility complex antigens.


Evidence for an immunoglobulin-dependent antigen-specific helper T cell. Evidence from various systems suggests that thymus-derived lymphocytes can affect the quality of antibody responses by recognizing various portions of the immunoglobulin receptor of bone-marrow-derived thymus-independent lymphocytes. A model for this process is proposed involving two antigen-specific mature T helper cells, one of which also is specific for immunoglobulin determinants. These two cells act synergistically. Evidence from adoptive secondary antibody responses demonstrates that both cells are antigen-specific T cells and that the immunoglobulin-recognizing T helper cell is absent from experimentally agammaglobulinemic mice. This cell is termed an "immunoglobulin-dependent T cell" because its activation requires the presence of immunoglobulin.


[Blocking of the reaction of the pituitary gland to exogenic thyroxine after its administration together with an antithyroid agent]. It was experimentally revealed that 1-thyroxin administered in combination with an antithyroid preparation caused no depression of the thyrotropic function of the hypophysis whose activation was caused by the inhibitory action of the antithyroid agent on the thyroid gland. At the same time combined administration of the preparations failed to lead to the thyroxin inactivation. The "block effect" of the hypophysis response to the thyroxin administration persisted even with such low doses of antithyroid preparation which failed to depress the thyroid function, and, correspondingly, did not activate the thyrotropic hormone production by the hypophysis.


[Chronobiological characteristics of the cytological indicators of the islands of Langerhans in mice]. This experimental work was conducted on 40 sexually mature albino mice; with the aid of cytometry and cytochemistry the 24-hour rhythm of functional activity of beta-cells of the pancreas was shown. An enlargement of the nuclei and nucleoli of beta-cells, an accumulation of specific fuchsinophilic and zinc-containing granules was noted at night (10 p.m.--6 a.m.); this pointed to the high functional activity of the insular cells at this time. During the day (10 a.m.--6 p.m.) the volume of the nuclei and nucleoli proved to decrease, and the specific granularity of beta-cells became less pronounced. Circadian rhythmicity of the insulin production by beta-cells was also indicated by the changed count of the insulin-containing blood erythrocytes.


Antigen-specific purification of blocking factors from sera of mice with chemically induced tumors. Serum from mice with growing tumors can prevent ("block") the destruction of tumor cells by immune lymphocytes, as measured in a microcytotoxicity assay. Factors responsible for this blocking activity were purified by binding to immune adsorbents that had been prepared from antibodies obtained by immunizing BALB/c mice to the homologous tumors. Two transplantable BALB/c sarcoma lines with individually different tumor-specific transplantation antigens were studied in parallel. The original tumor-specific blocking activity was recovered by elution of the immune adsorbents; that is, (i) eluates blocked the reduction of surviving tumor cell targets by immune lymphocytes only if the tumor specificity, and (ii) immune adsorbent columns prepared from tumor-immune sera recognized the purified blocking fractions in a tumor-specific fashion, indicating that a portion of the humoral response in the immune mice was directed against a factor that was individually distinct for each tumor. Absorption of eluates with the homologous tumor cells removed their blocking activity, indicating that the blocking factors have antigen-binding properties. Blocking activity in the purified fractions resided in molecules presumptively identified as glycoproteins by affinity chromatography on concanavalin A-Sepharose.


Virus-specific proteins in the plasma membrane of cells lytically infected or transformed by pol-oma virus. Antisera, raised in rats, containing specificities directed against tumor antigen of polyoma virus also react with several proteins present in the plasma membrane of mouse cells infected with the virus. The main component has an apparent molecular weight of 55,000. The appearance of this protein after infection with early temperature-sensitive A mutants was temperature-dependent like tumor antigen itself. Pulse and chase isotope experiments suggest that this protein originates from a precursor, perhaps by cleavage; its production appears to be facilitated by the A mutation. Two other components with apparent molecular weights of 61,000 and 28,000 were also present but were more variable from experiment to experiment. All proteins were absent from the plasma membranes of cells infected with a transformation-defective mutant, NG-18. Up to four virus-specific proteins could be isolated from the plasma membranes of rat, hamster, and mouse cells transformed by the virus. The possible role of the plasma membrane proteins in cell transformation is discussed.


Multihormonal induction of hepatic alpha2u-globulin mRNA as measured by hybridization to complementary DNA. A procedure is presented for the preparation of a (3)H-labeled complementary DNA (cDNA) specific for the mRNA coding for alpha(2u)-globulin, a male rat liver protein under multihormonal control that represents approximately 1% of hepatic protein synthesis. Rat liver polysomes are incubated with monospecific rabbit antiserum to alpha(2u)-globulin, which binds to the nascent alpha(2u)-globulin chains on the polysomes. These antibody-polysome complexes are then adsorbed to goat antiserum to rabbit IgG that is covalently linked to p-aminobenzylcellulose. mRNA preparations are thus obtained that contain 30-40% alpha(2u)-globulin mRNA. A labeled cDNA is made to this alpha(2u)-globulin-enriched mRNA preparation by using RNA-dependent DNA polymerase (reverse transcriptase). To remove the non-alpha(2u)-globulin sequences, this cDNA preparation is hybridized to an RNA concentration x incubation time (R(0)t) of 1000 mol of ribonucleotide per liter x sec with female rat liver mRNA, which, though it shares the vast majority of mRNA sequences with male liver, contains no alpha(2u)-globulin mRNA sequences. The cDNA remaining single-stranded is isolated by hydroxylapatite chromatography and is shown to be specific for alpha(2u)-globulin mRNA by several criteria. Good correlation was found in all endocrine states studied between the hepatic level of alpha(2u)-globulin, the level of functional alpha(2u)-globulin mRNA as assayed in a wheat germ cell-free translational system, and the level of alpha(2u)-globulin mRNA sequences as measured by hybridization to the alpha(2u)-globulin cDNA. Thus, the hormonal control of hepatic alpha(2u)-globulin synthesis by sex steroids and thyroid hormone occurs through modulation of the cellular level of alpha(2u)-globulin mRNA sequences, presumably by hormonal control of transcriptive synthesis.


Analysis of single- and double-stranded nucleic acids on polyacrylamide and agarose gels by using glyoxal and acridine orange. We have developed a simple and rapid system for the denaturation of nucleic acids and their subsequent analysis by gel electrophoresis. RNA and DNA are denatured in 1 M glyoxal (ethanedial) and 50% (vol/vol) dimethyl sulfoxide, at 50 degrees. The glyoxalated nucleic acids are then subjected to electrophoresis through either acrylamide or agarose gels in a 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer at pH 7.0. When glyoxalated DNA molecules of known molecular weights are used as standards, accurate molecular weights for RNA are obtained. Furthermore, we have employed the metachromatic stain acridine orange for visualization of nucleic acids in gels. This dye interacts differently with double- and single-stranded polynucleotides, fluorescing green and red, respectively. By using these techniques, native and denatured DNA and RNA molecules can be analyzed on the same slab gel.


Electron microscopy of negatively stained and freeze-etched high density lipoprotein-3 from human serum. High density lipoproteins of d = 1.12 to 1.21 g/ml from human serum (HDL3) were studied by electron microscopy with both negative staining and freeze-etching techniques. For the negatively stained specimens, a modified conventional transmission electron microscope as well as a scanning transmission electron microscope were used. The freeze-etched specimens were examined by a conventional transmission electron microscope. The diameter of HDL3 was found to be 105 +/- 4 A by freeze-etching and 94 +/- 6 A by negative staining. The surface of the HDL3 particles exhibited about 12 discrete domains, 28 +/- 3 A (freeze-etched) and 28 +/- 4 A (negatively stained) in diameter, of undefined chemical composition. Moreover, the freeze-etched specimens revealed an inner core 40 +/- 2 A in diameter, corresponding to estimated values reported previously. All information is consistent with the HDL3 model proposed by B. W. Shen, F. J. Kézdy, and A. M. Scanu [(1977) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 74, 837-841], with additional evidence for well-defined surface substructure. The consistency of the images obtained with the various electron microscopy techniques and the marked change in the appearance of the surface in the HDL3 preparations that were digested by phospholipase A2 (EC 3.1.1.4) support the validity of the interpretation.


Histochemistry of free and esterified cholesterol in human atherosclerotic arteries. The described technique provides a sensitive, specific and accurate method for the nondestructive localization of cholesterol in tissues. The staining patterns observed closely correspond to those obtained with oil red O, but allow discrimination between sites where free and esterified cholesterol is present.


Abnormal maturation of elastic fibres in the atherosclerotic intima. It is probable that the conditions obtaining during cellular proliferation occurring as a result of damage to the vessel wall will not be at optimum level. The amino oxidase, lysyl oxidase, is copper-dependent and is required for proper cross-linkage in the maturing fibre. Elastic tissue in blood vessels is normally produced by smooth muscle cells and in circumstances where other cells derived from the blood are involved the production of fibres and ground substance may be altered. Orcein staining alone, or after oxidation with oxone, shows different tinctorial affinities for the fibres in the thickened intima and may indicate some departure from normality in their make-up.


[Diagnostic value of quantitative and qualitative variations in cerebrospinal fluid proteins]. Values of the liquor pherogram, which were obtained by means of electrophoresis on acetate folie and classified by disease groups and by the proportions of beta-globulin and first fraction, are compared, with respect to the absolute contents, by reference to tables and figures. The diagnostic importance of low total protein contents in the lumbar liquors of adults is considered in connection with a discussion of the usefulness of indicating the liquor pherogram in terms of percentage or absolute values.


Comparative antigenic characterisation of Echinococcus granulosus and Taenia hydatigena cyst fluids by immunoelectrophoresis. Hydatid cyst fluid from Echinococcus granulosus (HCF) and cyst fluid from Taenia hydatigena (TCF) cysts were compared in reciprocal immunoelectrophoresis (IEP) tests using homologous and heterologous antisera which were free of antibodies to host serum contaminants. The antigens for the E granulosus arc 5 were demonstrated in TCF. Antibody activity to these and other antigens common to HCF and TCF was removed from homologous antisera by absorptions with the heterologous antigenic preparation. Antigens not shared by the two metacestodes fluids were then demonstrated by IEP tests. These findings are discussed in terms of their significance to phylogenetic and immunodiagnostic studies of these parasites in their immediate hosts.


[Fibrosing alveolitis--a contribution to the ultrastructure and pathogenesis of interstitial pulmonary diseases (author's transl)]. Considering the functional anatomy of the lung parenchyma the pathomorphological response pattern of the alveolus has been described. Hereby, the fibrosing alveolitis is conceived as an uniform concept of a disease, to which many different aetiological factors are associated. The ultrastructural pathology of early changes in fibrosing alveolitis has been described in the bleomycin lung as an example, which pathogenesis (as a chemically induced pulmonary damage) has a character of a model for the process of fibrosing alveolitis.


[Experience with polychemotherapy based on cell synchronization, via intra-arterial infusions. Preoperative treatment of maxillofacial tumors]. Chemotherapy based upon cellular synchronisation via intra-arterial infusion was used in the treatment of 21 carcinomas of the maxillo-facial region. These tumours had never been treated either by surgery, nor by irradiation. This pre-operative treatment was not aimed at altering ghe indication for the type of operation decided upon at the outset. It was found that a combination of Vincristine, Bleomycine, Methotrexate and Dibromdulcide was more satisfactory than other types of chemotherapy. The most important complication of the method was a thrombosis of the common carotid.


Purification of canine pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor and interaction in vitro with complexes of trypsin-alpha-macroglobulin. Highly purified pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (PSTI) from the dog was found to exist in three different chromatographic forms with equal capacities for the inhibition of trypsin. The molecular weight of the inhibitor, calculated from sodium dodecyl sulfate electrophoresis was approximately 7,000. It was capable of blocking proteolytic activity of trypsin-alpha-macroglobulin complex even though inhibition was never complete.


Determination of a new rapid plasmin inhibitor in human blood by means of a plasmin specific tripeptide substrate. A method for determination of antiplasmin activity is presented. Plasmin and plasma are incubated, and the remaining plasmin activity is measured spectrophotometrically by means of the plasmin specific tripeptide substrate H-d-Val-l-Leu-l-Lys-p-nitroanilide. The method is simple, rapid and easily automatized. By the immunoadsorption technique, and with the aid of purified substances it is shown that the measured activity is mainly due to a new antiplasmin [2,4] and possibly to some extent to alpha1-antitrypsin and C1-esterase inhibitor have no antiplasmin activity in the method. Heparin and epsilonaminocaproic acid interfered with the assay.


Immunological studies in ulcerative colitis. VIII. Antibodies to colon antigen in patients with ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and other diseases. Sera from patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease had elevated titers to colon antigen from germ-free rats significantly more often than sera from patients with gastroenteritis, irritable colon, non-gastrointestinal diseases, and healthy controls. Elevated anticolon titers in significant frequency were also found in patients with liver cirrhosis, urinary tract infections, and in polyposis coli and their relatives. Females with ulcerative colitis had, on an average, higher titers than men especially in the age group 30 years and over. In Crohn's disease the antibody titers often increased with time--as opposed to those in ulcerative colitis and non-gastrointestinal diseases. In conjunction with results published earlier, the present work supports the assumption that the antibodies in ulcerative colitis patients react with antigenic determinants distinct from those recognized by the colon antibodies present in other groups, including patients with Crohn's disease and polyposis.


[Clinical significance of the combined determination of alpha 1 fetoprotein, lipoprotein X, and hepatitis B antigen and antibodies]. In a four-year prospective study 4000 patients of a gastroenterologic and hematologic department were screened for alpha1-fetoprotein (AFP), lipoprotein-X (LPX), and hepatitis-B antigen and antibody (HBsAg, HBsAb). Only histologically confirmed results were used for the evaluation of this study. Liverscintigraphy using 99m-Tc-S-colloid was performed as the morphological examination. 85% of focal liver diseases were seen as space-occupying lesions in the radioscan. The interpretation of their dignity was performed with success by means of 67-galliumcitrate with an overall diagnostic accuracy of 90%. With the methods, presented in this paper, positive results of AFP-LPX-, HBsAg- and HBsAb-determinations mean, without exception, an informational gain. In 1241 of 4000 patients, 1417 positive results were recorded. In combination with two-step radionuclide-scintigraphy as the morphological element of our screening procedure, focal diseases of the liver are no longer a diagnostic problem. Additional information of diagnostic relevance is expected in about 35% of all diffuse hepatocellular diseases.


[Attempts at postexposure active and passive human rabies immunization]. For several years now in Switzerland, postexposure prophylaxis against rabies has been performed with duck embryo vaccine containing inactivated virus. According to WHO recommendations, 14 consecutive daily injections are given subcutaneously followed by 3 booster injections 10, 20, and 90 days later. In addition, a recently developed human diploid cell vaccine has also become commercially available in Switzerland. This study is concerned with the question whether, by the use of the latter vaccine, sufficient antibody titres can be achieved with a smaller number of injections given at longer intervals. Furthermore, the question was studied whether simultaneous administration of homologous human hyperimmune gamma-globulin together with the first vaccination dose inhibits antibody production. "Vaccin rabique inactivé Mérieux", cultivated on human diploid cells, was injected on days 0, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 90. A group of 10 healthy volunteers received active vaccination only, while another group of 10 volunteers received Rabuman Berna, 20 U/kg, in addition. Antibody titrations were done by means of a neutralization test on monolayer cell cultures. On day 14, antibody titers of at least 1:100 (corresponding to more than 3 IU/ml) were found in both groups. There was no indication of significant inhibition of antibody production as a consequence of the combined active/passive vaccination.


Hepatitis B "e" antigen: an apparent association with lactate dehydrogenase isozyme-5. Serums containing the "e" antigen of hepatitis B virus were subjected to electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel. An extra band appeared in the lactate dehydrogenase isozyme pattern, but this band was undetectable in serums containing antibodies to the e antigenic determinant. Prior separation of the lactate dehydrogenase isozyme-5 fraction by chromatography of serum on minicolumns of diethylaminoethyl-Sephadex-A50 improved electrophoretic identification of the extra band. Neutralization with antibodies to the e antigen as well as by antibodies to the homologous d or y component of the hepatitis B surface antigen removed the extra band; antibodies to the lactate dehydrogenase isozyme-5 removed both the normal and the extra enzymatic band of isozyme-5. This feature of the e antigen provides an assay system for laboratory diagnosis of potential clinical usefulness and suggests its possible role in pathogenesis of hepatocellular injury.


Group-specific component: evidence for two subtypes of the Gc1 gene. A new method based on isofocusing electrophoresis in the study of the Gc (group-specific component) polymorphism, revealed differing electrophoretic patterns. These patterns can be explained by the existence of two codominant Gc1 subtypes. This hypothesis is in accordance with several family studies. These subtypes are called Gc1F and Gc1S. Eight hundred samples were analyzed, including three different populations: Caucasoid (a western Pyrenean valley), African (Pygmy Bi-Aka), and AMerindian (Quechua-Aymara, from Bolivia). These two subtype phenotypes cannot be explored with the usual technique. They were present in each population sample studied.


Neuronal architecture of on and off pathways to ganglion cells in carp retina. Bipolar, amacrine, and ganglion cells of carp retina, stained intracellularly with Procion yellow, can be divided into types a and b, according to the destination of terminals and dendritic trees in the inner plexiform layer (sublamina a and b, respectively). Type a cells showed hyperpolarizing, or off, responses and type b cells depolarizing, or on, responses. Carp thus resembles cat in the basic organization of on and off pathways in the retina.


A new endoprosthesis for nonoperative intubation of the biliary tract in malignant obstructive jaundice. A method for palliative treatment of obstructive jaundice due to malignant growths consists of an indwelling tube, endoprosthesis, inserted percutaneously transhepatically under local anesthesia. A permanent bile drainage was established in 12 patients with inoperable obstructions of the bile duct, and in seven, a temporary drainage was used.


[Evaluation of the results of treatment of Graves' disease by synthetic antithyroid drugs]. A study of 43 case records of Grave's disease followed up for at least two years after stopping treatment with synthetic antithyroid drugs, revealed 7 patients who did not relapse, 12 cases of rebound, (less than six months after stopping treatment), and 21 cases of recurrence (more than six months) of 10 cases (23%) had several recurrences. In relation to the 87 patients who formed this series, the cure rate after a single acute attack was only 50%. The good tolerance of antithyroid drugs, their almost complete efficacy, (2 failures out of 87 patients), indicate however that for a first attack they should be given for at least 18 months. Rebounds and recurrences suggest that radical treatment, mainly surgery, still have their place.


Structural diversity of gap junctions. A review. Gap junctions are plasma membrane specializations characterized as aggregates of intramembranous particles in two apposed membranes meeting particle-to-particle in the 2-4 nm intermembrane 'gap'. Recent thin-section and freeze-fracture evidence has revealed significant structural variations of gap junctional structure at various stages of development and from different organisms and tissues. It is suggested that a comparative analysis of these differences may provide clues to the specific biological functions(s) of these ubiquitous organelles.


Recycling procedure for gold chloride used in neurohistology. A simple method is described whereby pure chloroauric acid (HAuCl4; "brown gold chloride") is recovered from old solutions used for toning silver-stained sections. The procedure can be carried out in any laboratory and 60 to 80% of the gold initially present in a solution is recovered. The recycled product may be used for toning or for the staining of astrocytes by Cajal's method.


Improved technique for electron microscopy of cultured cells. A number of techniques are presented which precise selection and efficient preparation of individual cultured cells for electron microscopy. Techniques described include marking of the living and embedded cells, drilling and mounting cores of embedded material, and improved technique for marking of the selected area on the block face before trimming.


Staining myelin in brain with gallein: a new method. A procedure is described in which gallein, mordant violet 25, C.I. 45445, is used to demonstrate myelinated nerve fibers in animal brain. Specimens are fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and processed in a routine manner. Microsections are stained in an iron gallein solution with subsequent differentiation in 0.25% oxalic acid and 0.1% sodium carbonate solutions that avoid overdifferentiation. Methyl green is used to demonstrate other tissue elements. Myelin is stained deep violet, as are erythrocytes, with neuronal cell bodies and microglia shades of green. The staining procedure requires 30 minutes.


Improved staining boxes for fast, uniform staining of ultrathin sections on grids. A standard LKB (LKB-Produkter Ab. S-161, 25 Brommma 1, Sweden) grid storage box is converted into several grid staining boxes by sawing the body of the box into segments along rows of its grid storage cavities. The staining boxes can be cut out to any required size or shape. The polymethyacrylate storage box cover is discarded. Covers for the staining boxes are cut from thin sheet vinyl, which is more chemically resistant than polymethyacrylate. Corresponding 2 mm diameter holes are drilled through the vinyl covers and the bottoms of the grid storage cavities of the staining boxes to convert the storage cavities into staining chambers. For staining, the covers are tied to the boxes with sewing thread and the assembled units are put into vials. The separate staining chambers prevent intermingling of and mechanical damage to grids during the staining procedure. Ultrathin sections are more cleanly and uniformly stained in bulk by the use of these staining boxes than they are when stained individually by a standard method.


The use of elemental iodine to enhance staining of thin sections to be viewed in the electron microscope. A noticeable increase in contrast is observed when thin sections, stained with Reynolds lead citrate, are subsequently exposed to elemental iodine vapor for 30 seconds. There is no loss of ultrastructural detail, and there is no evidence of harmful iodine contamination of the microscope after prolonged study of such material. It is recommended that this simple procedure be used when other methods of staining have not proved adequate.


Sequential staining to assess viability and starch content in individual pollen grains. Individual pollen grains may be assessed for viability and starch content by dusting a sample onto drops of an aqueous medium containing fluorescein diacetate and potassium iodide, and allowing them to accumulate free fluorescein for ten minutes. They are then illuminated with ultraviolet or blue light and photographed to record the proportion that fluoresce, as an index of viability. The preparation is exposed to iodine vapor and the same field of view rephotographed in bright field illumination to record starch content. Iodine vapor avoids disturbing the grains by adding further liquid, so that the same pollen grains may be classified by fluorescence and starch content. The method makes it possible to test whether viability and starch content are associated or depend on other variables, such as pollen-grain diameter. Iodine-potassium iodide is shown to be inadequate as a test for pollen viability. The method is quick and easy and provides data not otherwise available.


Selective staining of hepatitis B surface antigen in thick epoxy sections of liver. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in epoxy-embedded liver tissues can be stained by aldehyde-fuchsin stain. Sections are oxidized in KMnO4 acidified with H2SO4, then bleached in NaHSO3, both at 70 C. Heating for oxidation and bleaching are absolutely necessary. Diluted aldehyde-fuchsin stain adjusted to pH 1.5 to 1.8 with NaOH is used for staining. HBsAg is specifically stained purple. Other components such as mitochondria and bile pigments are also strained, but are easily distinguished from HBsAg. This staining method is advantageous for the identification of HBsAg-positive cells for electron microscopic observation.


Cell-kinetical analyses of squamous cell carcinomas of the oral region and the effect of a combined therapy of 5 fluorouracil and irradiation. A contribution to the discussion about tumorcell-synchronization. Out of 180 incubations of human biopsies 33 were from patients with malignant tumors of the oral region. In 9 cases it was possible to analyse the cell cycle of the tumor cells with the double labeling in vitro method (3H and 14C-thymidine). Histologically the tumors were keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas with high labeling indices. The generation time of the tumor cells ranged from 20 to 130 hours. The length of the DNA synthesis phase varied between 7.3 and 17.9 hours. With the knowledge of the cell-kinetic data the patients received an infusion of 5 Fluorouracil throughout the length or parts of the calculated G 1 phase. At the end of the 5 FU infusion there was a constant two-hour pause and after the duration of the calculated DNA synthesis phase the tumors were irradiated with 150 rd per session. The treatment was repeated until a total dose of 6000 rd was achieved. Under the combined therapy of 5 FU and irradiation the inoperable keratinizing highly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas regressed extraordinarily fast. The patients were free of pain after a very short time. No vital tumor tissue was visible in control biopsies. Some patients remained without any tumor recurrence now more than 2 years after onset of therapy. In the discussion it is stressed that the reason for the successful treatment of highly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas with 5 Fluorouracil and subsequent irradiation is not easily explained, because recent experimental findings and impulsecytophotometrical studies on human biopsy material suggest that both the synergistic action of thecytostatic drug and the irradiation as well as an altered recruitment of the tumor cells are responsible for the clinical success rather than a synchronisation effect.


[Effect of the Y chromosome on the morphology of human F-chromatin under normal and pathological conditions]. Morphological peculiarities of brightly fluorescent chromatin (referred to as F-chromatin) in cell nuclei of buccal epithelium stained with propil-quinacrine mustard are studied in 94 healthy men and in 67 healthy women; in 4 men with 46,XYq--, I man with 46,XYq+; in 15 patients with the Kleinfelter syndrome (47,XXY) in 7 women with 46,XY and 5 males with 47,XYY. Diametre of F-chromatin bodies in buccal cells of healthy men varied within 0.9--0.2 mkm. Classification of types of interphase nuclei is proposed based on the rise, quantity and arrangement of F-chromatin bodies. The study of F-chromatin and X-chromatin showed independent behavior of these structures in cells of buccal smears obtained from 15 patients with the Kleinfelter syndrome.


[Karyological study of the continuous cell lines. Comparative analysis of the Hela and Detroit-6 cell lines]. Comparison of the results of the karyologic analysis of two Hela cell sublines (HeLa1 and HeLa2), obtained from different sources, and of Detroit-6 cell line has shown that all the lines contain marker chromosomes characteristic of the HeLa cell line. Detroit-6 cell line marker chromosomes are similar to markers of the HeLa subline (HeLa1). At the same time, part of marker chromosomes in the two sublines of HeLa cell line (HeLa1 and HeLa2) are different. These data show that HeLa1 and Detroit-6 cell lines are more similar than two sublines of the same HeLa cell line.


[Cytological identification of the lymphocytes in highly leukemic AKR/J mice in ontogenesis. Effect of somatotropin on the cellular composition of the lymphoid organs]. In AKR/J mice lymphocytes of thymus, spleen and lymph nodes can be classified according to their morphology as revealed by the Stockinger and Kellner staining: I--basophilic cytoplasm, 1--3 large basophilic nucleoli (blast cells), II--basophilic cytoplasm, 1--4 small clearly visible nucleoli (T-lymphocytes), III-weakly basophilic cytoplasm, 1-4 small fairly visible nucleoli (B-lymphocytes). The number of cells of types I and II increases with the progressing of leucaemia. After the administration of somatotrophic hormone the number of cells of types I and II increases only in the lymphoid organs of 5 months old AKR/J mice.


[Fluorescence microscopy demonstration of mitochondria in tissue culture cells using berberine]. The possibility of fluorescence microscopical examination of mitochondria in living animal cells using fluorochrome berberine sulphate is shown. At concentrations of 30--50 g per ml the chemical is accumulated selectively in mitochondria of living cells. The specificity of berberine sulphate accumulation in mitochondria was shown by comparative phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy. The advantages of the method is its high sensitivity and simplicity, especially when mitochondria can not be examined by the phase contrast microscopy.


[Chemical and hematologic studies of sheep before and after treatment with cyclophosphamide]. Studied was the effect of cyclophosphamide, a typical venena A agent, on 15 sheep and 20 weaned lambs, given orally at 25 mg/kg. A total of 13 types of laboratory investigations were carried out revealing a dependable increase in the calcium and phosphorus levels with young animals, and a dependable decrease in the gamma-2-globulin with adult animals. At the individual application of the preparation the fleece was removed manually on the eleventh day in all animals. At the group application of a granulated formula the fleece in some animals was removed hardly on the 11th-15th day, and with one sheep and 3 weaned lambs shearing was effected mechanically.


[Progress in medicine in individual presentations, XI. Modern forms of therapy in acne]. Several pathogenetic factors contribute to the development of acne vulgaris. These include genetic predisposition, hormonal influences, increasing sebaceous secretion, bacterial colonization of the follicle and keratinization defects in the follicular epithelium. Modern acne therapy can take specific forms on the basis of recent research on pathogenesis. Sebostatic therapy can be performed by the topical application of benzoyl peroxide or the systemic administration of hormones (oestrogens, antiandrogens). Local treatment with retinoic has proved optimal in achieving a comedolytic effect. Moreover, the long-term use of antibiotics--tetracyclines, erythromycin systemically or benzoyl peroxide topically--is beneficial in respect to a reduction in Propionibacterium acnes. Experiments with immunological therapy are still in the early stages. Optimum results are obtained by the rational combination of several therapeutic modalities adapted to the type of acne to be treated.


[Detection of oncornavirus type D in continuous breast cancer cells]. An oncornavirus immunologically similar to oncornaviruses type D previously isolated from human continuous cells was detected in continuous cells of mammary cancer (SH3). The culture produces structures having densities of 1.18--1.19 and 1.22 g/ml which contain high molecular RNA (68S) and reverse-transcriptase activity. The similarity of this virus with other oncornaviruses was also demonstrated in molecular hybridization experiments.


[Light and dark Purkinje cells (light microscopic and microautoradiographic studies]. The authors deal with the phenomenon of dualism of pale and dark ganglion cells in general, the phenomenon which, since FLEMMING (1882), still remains an actual problem of neurohistology. They deal with Purkinje cells from a special aspect with the aim to demonstrate the dualism through various staining methods. They directed their attention also to the question of the influence of perfusion and immersion fixation and length of staining with luxol-fast-blue on the production of luxol-positive (chromophilic) Purkinje cells. The authors have found that these methodologic circumstances do not influence the production of luxol-positive Purkinje cells, so it can be hardly spoken about an artifact. Examinations with the labelled leucine have shown that the increased metabolic activity can be observed in those Purkinje cells which in HE-picture are seen as pale ones. In the dark Purkinje cells leucine granulations are located on the surface of plasmatic membrane and they follow to some distance the main dendrite of those cells. The microautoradiographic method evidences for the increased leucine metabolism of the pale Purkinje cells as well.


Bleomycin: effects upon mammalian epidermal DNA synthesis. The effects of bleomycin upon epithelial DNA synthesis have been evaluated in a keratinizing tissue culture line and following topical application on intact mouse epidermis. In both models, bleomycin inhibited epithelial DNA synthesis after prolonged exposure of the tissue to large doses of the polypeptide antibiotic. The effect is probably limited by the penetration of bleomycin through epithelial cell membranes. Inhibition of epidermal DNA synthesis was also observed in non-treated animals subjected to restraint and/or partial starvation. These conditions, which are commonly associated with studies of topical therapeutic agents, must, therefore, be carefully controlled.


Degradation of dermal fibrillar structures: effects of collagenase, elastase, dithioerythritol and citrate. Clostridial collagenase, elastase, medium material of human skin culture, dithioerythritol and citrate buffer, pH 3.5, were applied to fresh human skin specimens. Phenomena of degradation of dermal fibrils were observed by electron microscopy.


The binding of 8-methoxypsoralen to nuclear DNA of UVA irradiated human fibroblasts in vitro. Human fibroblasts were exposed to tritium-labelled 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and longwave ultraviolet (UVA) light in vitro. The proportions of photochemically bound 8-MOP in the nucleus and cytoplasm were studied by autoradiography. The results show that UVA-irradiation of the cells in the presence of 8-MOP gives rise to a significant dose-dependent binding of 8-MOP in the cell nucleus.


Human skin proteases: effect of separated proteases on vascular permeability and leukocyte emigration in skin. The effect of human skin proteases on vascular permeability and leukocyte emigration in rabbit skin was investigated. The alkaline protease of human skin capable of hydrolysing trypsin substrate effectively increased vascular permeability. This effect was not inhibited by antihistamine, but almost totally so by Trasylol. The reaction was protracted. Leukocyte emigration in skin, primarily of PMN-cells at 12 hrs, and later a migration of mononuclear cells, also resulted. Swelling of the dermal fibres was noted. The alkaline protease of human skin capable of hydrolysing chymotrypsin substrate also increased vascular permeability, but this phenomenon was effectively inhibited by antihistamine and the reaction was of brief duration. The leukocyte emigration caused by this enzyme was remarkable. The acid proteases of human skin resembling cathepsin B1 and D also caused brief increased vascular permeability, which was effectively inhibited by antihistamine. The cellular reactions to these acid proteases were mild. The role of protease inhibitors in skin in the enzyme reactions is discussed.


Deposition of fibrinogen (FR-antigen) in skin diseases. III. Synovial joint membranes in psoriatic arthritis. Synovial joint membranes obtained by synovectomy in open bloodless fields were examined for FR-antigen (fibrinogen/fibrin-related antigen) in 15 patients with psoriatic arthritis (ps.a.) and in a control group of 5 patients with meniscal tears. All frozen and paraffin sections from ps.a. demonstrated FR-antigen at the synovial lining. In the tissue it was located at the surface and in cytoplasm of the superficial synovial cells. In the control group, FR-antigen was present in all frozen samples as a thin layer at the synovial lining surface, but absent in the paraffin sections. The presence of FR-antigen may contribute to the further development of the Inflammatory changes of the arthritis.


Increased serum levels of the pregnancy zone protein in psoriasis. On the basis of immunological studies on psoriasis in recent years, it seems probable that immunological mechanisms are of importance and that psoriasis could be regarded as an immunogenetic disease. In this study, increased serum levels of an immunosuppressive factor, the pregnancy zone protein (PZ), were found in psoriatic patients. Patients with elevated levels (greater than 2 S.D. units) of PZ showed a positive association with continuous symptoms and a negative association with blood groups A and Fy(a+b-). Thus, induction of PZ occurs mainly in psoriatic patients who have a particular genetic constitution. The results support the hypothesis that PZ is not only an immunosuppressive but also an immunoreactive protein.


Iron absorption in patients with dermatitis herpertiformis. Iron absorption has been studied in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH). Four patients out of 20 had iron deficiency, defined as absence of or only traces of haemosiderin in bone marrow smears. These four had adequate absorption of ferrous iron. The iron deficiency in at least 3 of them was ascribed to increased iron loss. The results indicate that, although having a mild to moderate malabsorption syndrome, DH patients can be expected to exhibit adequate absorption of orally administered iron. Explanations of a negative iron balance other than defective absorption should therefore be sought.


Silver-blue nails.

Silver-blue nails. The case is reported of a man with uniformly silver-blue discolouration of all fingernails, with deeper colouring over the lunulae. The nail bed changes resulted from the uncontrolled ingestion of a silver-containing granular powder. The total silver intake was over 15 g. The only other sign of argyrosis was a barely perceptible greyish discolouration over the cheeks and in the sclerae. Biopsies were taken from the nail bed and the cheek. Electron microscopy revealed metallic deposits in elastic fibres and basement membranes. The silver deposition was much heavier in the nail bed than in facial skin. Long-wave ultraviolet light (UVA) and lack of melanin protection seem to be responsible for this phenomenon. Argyrosis and the differential diagnosis of nail discolourations are reviewed.


Unusual normolipidemic cutaneous xanthomatosis: a comparison of two cases illustrating the differential diagnosis. A patient who developed diffuse normolipidemic plane xanthomas also presented with IgG lambda monoclonal gammopathy, hypernephroma, an unusual family cluster of leukemia (with two family members in two generations), and a unique, acquired C1-esterase inhibitor deficiency. A second patient presented with widespread normolipidemic papular xanthomas in which histiocytes containing Langerhans' granules were found. The lipid composition of the lesions of these two patients showed striking differences. Excesses of triglycerides and cholesterol ester were demonstated in plane xanthoma, whereas phospholipids were prominent in the popular xanthoma of histiocytosis X. We present and classify these two cases to emphasize the diagnostic value of chemical and ultrastructural studies of normolipidemic cutaneous xanthomatosis.


The pigmentary response to photochemotherapy. Previous studies on skin topically photosensitized with trimethylpsoralen and subsequently irradiated with long-wave UV light have demonstrated an increase in melanosome size and changes in the distribution patterns of melanosomes, suggesting the possibility of gene derepression or the induction of a somatic mutation of melanocytes. The present investigation was performed to determine whether identical changes are induced by systemic photochemotherapy using 8-methoxypsoralen and UVA (PUVA) under therapeutic conditions. Our results show that PUVA stimulates melanogenesis but does not induce significant changes in the average size of melanosomes nor in their distribution patterns within keratinocytes. Thus they indicate that under therapeutic conditions PUVA does not induce morphologically detectable cytogenetic changes in pigment cells.


Photodynamic inactivation of verrucae vulgares. I. Verrucae vulgares (v.v.) stained in vivo and in vitro with 0.1% and 1% proflavine in 100% dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and 0.1% and 1% neutral red in 100% DMSO were examined grossly and by fluorescence microscopy. Light transmission studies were made using both whole v.v. embedded in methacrylate and 5 micrometer frozen sections. The dyes were seen to penetrate to the epidermal and dermal structures in the in vivo stained v.v. and accumulate in the cell nuclei. The average concentration of neutral red in the v.v. was estimated to be 2 X 10(-5) M. The concentration of proflavine was lower than that, but exceeded 10(-6)M. There was diffuse staining throughout the in vitro stained warts. From 400-600 nm the warts were penetrated by at least 1% of the light directed toward their surfaces.


Photodynamic inactivation of verrucae vulgares. II. Photodynamic inactivation therapy, consisting of a double-blind, paired comparison treatment schedule, was used in treating 56 patients for recalcitrant, symmetrical verrucae vulgares. 0.1% proflavine in 100% dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and 0.1% neutral red in 100% DMSO were used as active dyes, and 1% picric acid in 100% DMSO and 1% color ruber in 100% DMSO and 1% color ruber in 100% DMSO served as corresponding placebos. A Westinghouse sunlamp and black light were used to irradiate the warts dyed with proflavine and its placebo, and the warts dyed with neutral red and its placebo were irradiated with an ordinary light bulb (Osram 588597). 50 patients completed the treatment. 10 of the 27 patients treated with proflavine and 10 of the 23 patients treated with neutral red were cured by the end of an 8 week period, with the warts disappearing simultaneously from the actively as well as the placebo-treated side. Complement fixing antibodies against wart virus were detected in one of the cured patients and 2 who were treatment failures.


Levamisole in a double-blind study: no effect on warts. Levamisole is reported to restore delayed hypersensitivity, when this is depressed. On the assumption that multiple warts, resistant to local treatment, are indicative of some immune deficiency, we chose levamisole for the treatment of warts. The dose, 150 mg daily in 3 days every second week, was given to 49 patients who had common warts and to 50 patients who had condyloma (venereal warts). After 6 weeks of double-blind study, most of the patients underwent open levamisole treatment. However, the levamisole group failed to show enhanced wart regression compared with the control group. No inter-group difference could be detected as regards change in delayed hypersensitivity after levamisole treatment, when measured by the mantoux response.


Chlamydia trachomatis infection and veneral disease. Chlamydia trachomatis was isolated by the irradiated McCoy cell technique from 44 out of 103 men with non-gonorrhoeic urethritis and from 11 out of 15 patients with post-gonococcal urethritis. In women attending the venereal diseases clinics, chlamydial infection was observed in 49 out of 130 patients (38%), an infection incidence of the same order of magnitude as the one noted for gonococcal infection (40%). In 19% both infections occurred simultaneously. Treatment with tetracycline eliminated symptoms and chlamydial infection in almost all cases. The significance of the findings is discussed.


An unusual case of benign mucous membrane pemphigoid. This case of benign mucous membrane pemphigoid (BMMP) is unusual in that blistering, scarring lesions were confined to the skin for 15 years before mucous membranes were involved. The onset of this disorder at the age of 38 is also unusual. Detailed immunological investigation was performed on this patient but the results in no way clarify the present confusion regarding the immunopathological processes in BMMP related to those operative in bullous pemphigoid.


Azapropazone induced bullous drug eruptions. Azapropazone is a new, powerful, antiinflammatory analgesic. Initial trails have confirmed its efficacy as an antirheumatic agent, with a low incidence of adverse reactions. Recently the authors have seen two patients, each of whom developed a distinctive but clinically dissimilar, bizarre, bullous eruption after taking this drug. A brief account of these cases has been published elsewhere (1).


Immunoelectron microscopy of linear dermatitis herpetiformis: report of a case. Linear deposits of both IgA and C3 were found along the BMZ (by direct IF), and band-like IgA deposits directly below the basal lamina (by HRP-anti-HRP electron microscopy), in a case of clinically typical DH. No circulating antibodies could be detected.


Reticular erythematous mucinosis syndrome: report of a case. A 47-year-old man with erythematous, maculopapular rash on the chest and the back. Histology showed perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes, especially around hair follicles, and alcian green positive deposits in the dermis. Some improvement was achieved by treatment with 200 mg oxychloroquine sulphate (Plaquenil, Winthrop) twice daily.


Studies on guinea pig skin cell cultures. VI. Growth kinetics of epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. The growth kinetics of epidermal keratinocytes (EK) and dermal fibroblasts (DF) have been determined by four different methods: incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA (3H-microgram DNA ratio); 3H-thymidine/14C amino acid incorporation ratio (3H:14C ratio); 3H-thymidine labelled nuclei, and colchicine-blocked metaphase counts. The growth curve of EK was no different when plotted with the 3H:14C ratio than with the 3H-microgram DNA ratio. However, this was not true for DF. The replacement of sodium bicarbonate with Hepes buffer in the culture medium did not greatly affect the shape of the EK growth curve, whereas the DF growth curve became diphasic instead of monophasic. The elimination of mature (differentiated) keratinocytes from the very onset of EK culture had a profound effect on the EK growth curve. DNA synthesis peaked at day 1 in cultures without, instead of day 9 in cultures with differentiated cells. Furthermore, mitotic activity did not show up before day 6. This suggests that (i) EK in culture are sensitive to the G1 inhibitor released by differentiated epidermal cells, and (ii) they remain in G2 for about 5 days. Thus, EK in culture seem to continue to be susceptible, as in vivo, to homeostatic regulation through the action of G1-G2 inhibitors.


Ultrastructure of dermal connective tissue in fibrodysplasia ossificians progressiva. The ultrastructure of dermal connective tissue in two patients suffering from fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (syn myositis o.p.) was studied. The disorder starts with soft tissue swelling which subsequently ossify. The connective tissue of various organs may be affected. No defects in calcium metabolism have been discovered. It was intended to study the primary event which initiates the ossification. The present ultrastructural study demonstrates an accumulation of proteoglycan microfibrils as well as glycoprotein material in dermal connective tissue. Both substances are prerequisites of calcification resulting from the binding of calcium and phosphorus ions. A subsequent release of proteolytic enzymes in the tissues may be set free the bound iones and, thus, initiate mineralization.


Prostaglandin E2 in blister fluid of bullous diseases and experimental suction blisters. Prostaglandin(PG)-like activity in the fluid of spontaneous and suction blisters was measured by bioassay on isolated guinea-pig colon after acidic lipid extraction. The fluid from spontaneous blisters in 15 patients with various bullous dermatoses, such as pemphigoid, porphyria cutanea tarda, erythema multiforme, contact dermatitis, X-ray dermatitis, all contained  measurable amounts of activity, varying from 0.4 to 54 ng/ml, expressed as PGE2-activity. From 4 patients with pemphigoid, samples of fluid were collected, adequate to permit of analysis regarding the identity of the spasmogenic material. In silicic acid column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, and in reversed phase partition chromatography, the major part of the biological activity co-chromatographed with 3H-PGE2. In one patient part of the activity coincided with PGF2alpha. The PG-like activity of experimental suction blisters was found to be significantly higher in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis than in control and psoriasis patients. The appearance of PGs in blister fluid is compatible with a role as chemical mediator involved in blister formation.


PBS-soluble substances with blood group activity from human epidermis and dermis. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) soluble extracts of human epidermis and dermis from secretor donors contain products with blood group antigenic activity. The predominant blood group in a sample was the same as the red cell phenotype of the donor. H substance activity was present in all PBS-soluble products (from A, B and O donors). By gel filtration chromatography on a Bio-Gel A-1.5 m column; the epidermal and dermal PBS-soluble blood group substances fractionate in the void volume.


Acid alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase staining of T lymphocytes in human skin. T lymphocytes were stained in order to disclose alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase activity (ANAE staining) by adopting the method described by Mueller et al. In ANAE-staining of frozen sections from human lymph nodes, more than 90% of the lymphocytes in paracortical areas (T cell areas) were ANAE-positive, but in cortical follicles (B cell areas) less than 5% of the cells were positive. Lymphocytic infiltrations in various dermatoses (lichen ruber planus, psoriasis, SLE, atropic dermatitis, erythema multiforme, poikiloderma atrophicans vasculare, and Sézary syndrome) were investigated. A high percentage of ANAE-positive lymphoid cells (greater than 80%) was found in most cases. One patient with chron. lymphatic leukaemia, however, had a smaller proportion of ANAE-positive lymphocytic cells in an erythema multiforme skin infiltrate. ANAE staining seems to be an easy method for the identification of T lymphocytes in skin sections. The results of this investigation support the hypothesis that T lymphocytes have an affinity to skin.


Beta-2-microglobulin in basal cell carcinoma. Differences in the cell surface of malignant cells, as compared with normal cells, are believed to be characteristic of many features of tumor cell behaviour. We have obtained evidence suggesting that solid and superficial basal cell carcinomas lack immuno-reactive beta-2-microglobulin (beta-2-m) on the cell surface, in contrast to normal epidermis and that of various non-malignant dermatoses, including basal cell papillomas.


Serum immunoglobulins in fixed drug eruption. The serum globulins IgG, IgA and IgM were studied in the serum of 47 patients with fixed drug eruption due to identified drugs. The diagnosis was established by using as a test the readministration of the responsible drug and the consequent appearance of the eruption. IgM was found in normal amounts in the acute phase and after the remission of the eruption, whereas IgG and IgA were found increased during the acute phase of the eruption though after the remission, levels returned to normal.


Photodynamic aspects of some metal complexes. The potential phototoxic capacity of some metal compounds of clinical significance in dermatology has been investigated by means of the photohemolysis technique. No photosensitized hemolysis of erythrocytes was observed with the chromium, nickel, copper and cobalt compounds studied. On the contrary, nickel and cobalt compounds proved to be efficient in quenching singlet oxygen mediated photo-oxidative membrane damage of red blood cells. Cadmium compounds showed a pronounced photohemolytic activity and the reaction was oxygen dependent. The deuterium test for singlet oxygen showed a significant increase in photohemolytic efficiency. The addition of histidine, a known quencher of singlet oxygen, resulted in a significant inhibition of the photohemolysis. Pronounced photo-oxidative damage to plasma membranes was also observed in vitro cultivated cells by means of scanning electron microscopy.


Transmission of Bucky (Grenz) rays through human scalp hair. The shielding effect of various types of human hair and the influence of a shampoo on the transmission of grenz rays were determined by ionization chamber measurements. The mean transmission proved to be 53.7% with clean hair and 48.1% with hair shampooed one week before. P less than 0.05 (n = 50) (Pratt's test). A relationship was found between weight of hair layer and transmission. In clinical practice, the thickness of the hair should be assessed, and the normal skin dose multiplied by 1.5 for patients with a thin hair layer, by 2 in the case of a medium, and by 3 in the case of a thick hair layer.


Elastosis perforans serpiginosa with widespread arterial lesions: a case report. A case is presented of elastosis perforans serpiginosa (EPS) with unilateral dermal lesions, widespread arterial lesions with aortic rupture, and elastosis of the endocardium and bronchiolar walls. Other chronic skin disorders with lesions resembling EPS are discussed; and the arterial lesions compared with some arterial diseases. The findings support a concept of the disease as a focal affection of elastic tissue, not only in the skin, but also in arteries and other organs.


Kaposi's sarcoma in polar eskimos.

Kaposi's sarcoma in polar eskimos. Two cases of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) are described in patients of pure Eskimo trait from the northernmost part of the world. The clinical and histological findings corresponded to KS in other parts of the world. This report on KS in Eskimos from the sparsely populated Arctic areas may support the opinion that KS is more common outside Africa than the literature indicates.


Studies on the influence of antigens on the results with the gonococcal complement fixation test in patients with uncomplicated and complicated gonorrhoea. The gonococcal complement fixation test (GCFT) was investigated with regard to its sensitivity and specificity by testing serum specimens from (a) female patients attending a VD out-patient clinic because of suspected gonorrhoea, (b) patients with a proven, uncomplicated, urogenital gonococcal, infection, (c) patients with disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). Three different pools of gonococcal (GC) antigens were used which were comprised of GC strains from two different geographical areas. It was found that 39% of the females with culture-proven uncomplicated gonorrhoea had a positive GCFT whereas 10% of the females with negative GC cultures had a positive GCFT. The latter were found to have either a history of gonorrhoea or strong clinical suspicion of recent GC infection. One of the GC antigen pools gave a much lower diagnostic yield than the other two pools in the GCFTs with serum specimens from patients with uncomplicated gonorrhoea. However, no differences were found between the antigen pools in the tests with serum specimens from patients with DGI. These findings indicate the presence of various strain antigens participating in the immune response to complicated as well as uncomplicated GC infections. The results are presented in detail and discussed.


Orcein staining of hepatitis B surface antigen in paraffin sections of liver on autopsy cases. Paraffin sections of liver on 227 autopsy cases were stained by a modified orcein method of Shikata et al (14) in order to detect hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Blood of all the 227 cases obtained at autopsy were tested for HBsAg by immune adherence hamagglutination method (7) and for antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) by passive hemagglutination method (6). Cases of seropositive in HBsAg but negative in anti-HBs group showed orcein-positive hapatocyte in 13 (68%) of 19 cases of cirrhosis with hepatoma, in 2 (67%) of 3 cases of cirrhosis without hepatoma, and in 2 (67%) of 3 cases of non-cirrhotic neoplastic diseases other than hepatoma. Cases of seronegative in both HBsAg and anti-HBs group showed orceinpositive hepatocyte in 4 (17%) of 24 cases of cirrhosis with hepatoma, in 2 (11%) of 19 cases of cirrhosis without hepatoma, and in 3 (5%) of 60 cases of non-cirrhotic neoplastic diseases other than hepatoma. Cases of seronegative in HBsAg but positive in anti-HBsAg but positive in anti-HBs group showed orcein-positive hepatocyte in 1 (17%) of 6 cases of cirrhosis with hepatoma and in 1 (5%) of 21 cases of non-cirrhotic neoplastic diseases other than hepatoma. Cases of seropositive in both HBsAg and anti-HBs group showed orcein-positive hepatocyte in 1 (33%) of 3 cases of cirrhosis with hepatoma. No orcein-positive hepatocyte was detected in cases of hepatoma without cirrhosis and in cases of non-cirrhotic non-neoplastic diseases in any serological groups.


Evaluation of Feulgen reaction performed on unfixed smears. Feulgen reaction--both the original one with Schiff reagent and the modified one with toluidine- or methylene blue, pH = 4.0--can be carried out on air-dried smears without fixing. Hydrolysis--5 n HCl at room temperature should be 15 to 20 min for the original and 5 to 10 min--for the modified reaction. Binding of the dyes is stoichiometric in both cases.


Cytochemical identification of oxalosuccinic acid in human leukocytes. The anthraquinone dye alizarine red S produced a unique red crystalline precipitate with oxalosuccinic acid. By chemical, colorometric and spectrophotometric analysis, this red precipitate was found to be a salt composed of these two substances, and to be insoluble in hydrochloric acid above pH = 3.2. Other biologic substances producing a red color without the formation of precipitates showed a disappearance of the red color and resumption of the yellow color of alizarine red S above pH = 3.8. On the basis of these observations, a cytochemical test was developed that may identify the site of oxalosuccinic acid in the cytoplasm of peripheral blood leukocytes. Because of the initimate association of oxalosuccinic acid with isocitric dehydrogenase, the test may also indicate the site of this enzyme as well.


A comparative cytochemical study of the yolk platelets in the growing oocytes of Triturus cristatus and Rana esculenta. Recent cytochemical techniques for the detection of proteins, neutral and acid mucopolysaccharides, lipids and phospholipids in the yolk platelets of the growing oocytes of Rana esculenta and Triturus vulgaris are employed. Cytochemical analysis showed that the yolk in the form of granules or platelets, in the constituting itself the most prominent cytoplasmic inclusion of amphibian eggs, contains a protein moiety consisting of individual typical amino acids lacking tryptophan in Triturus, a carbohydrate fraction consisting of neutral mucopolysaccharides distributed in the superficial layer of each platelet, and phospholipids, phosphoproteins and lipoproteins which are present only in the main body of the same platelets. The different amino acid composition indicated a protein heterogeneity which could be connected with the tissue incompatibility of the transplantations when these last were effected between the orders Urodela and Anura. The different protein composition of the yolk also can be reflected at the species-specific level. The cytochemical data are further reviewed with the mode of utilization of the yolk platelets.


[The reactive behaviour of the cell nucleus after a pretreatment with a bromide solution and the application of the calcium-cobalt-method for the ATPase evidence (author's transl)]. A selective staining of the nucleus of both the cells in an islet (of Langerhans) and the acinar cells could be observed after treatment with bromide-water in an ATPase-medium (calcium-cobalt-method) on a cryostatsection of rat pancreas. Furthermore the behaviour of the other metal ion forming a complex has been tested in place of cobalt salt. As conditioned for the staining reaction the hydrolysis of nucleic acid with oxidation of its base by bromide-water and also the complex formation of Co++ with compounds similar to alloxan, resulted from oxidation were discussed.


[Fluorescence microscopic demonstration of eosinophile leucocytes with different fluorochromes (author's transl)]. A screening program involving blood from men and horse resulted in about 80 fluorochromes admitting microscopic differentiation of eosinophile leucocytes (properly their granules) in blood smears. Fluorescence distinguishes either selective, i. e. only eosinophile cells show fluorescence, or specific, that means, eosinophilic granules exhibit fluorescence differing from non-eosinophilic cells by colour and/or intensity.


[Quantitative cytospectrometrical determination of protein sulfhydryl groups and reactive disulfide groups by the DDD-Fast blue B-staining method on Ehrlich ascites tumor cells (author's transl)]. Protein sulfhydryl groups are histochemically demonstrated by reacting with DDD followed by coupling with Fast blue B. The molar absorptivity of the formed azo dye is 19000 per mole SH reacted. DDD simultaneously reacts with protein-SH- and -SS-groups. However, the reaction with SH-groups is approximately 1000 times faster than that observed with SS-groups. With Ehrlich ascites tumour cells the reaction of DDD with SH-groups is completed within 7 h while the reaction of DDD with SS-groups needs 14 days for completion. Due to the extreme difference in the reaction rates protein bound SH-groups as well as reactive SS-groups can be estimated quantitatively by cytospectrophotometrical methods. The cells investigated showed an average SH-content of (1,30 +/- 0,03) X 10(-14) M SH/cell while the average content of reactive SS-groups was (1,59 +/- 0,28) X 10(-14) M SS/cell. In addition it was found that especially the amount of reactive SS-groups per cell is not constant but exhibits seasonal variations.


Effect of bleomycin on peripheral lymphocytes. Five patients with carcinoma of the penis receiving radiation therapy and injections of Bleomycin were examined to determine whether Bleomycin affects the peripheral pool of lymphoid cells. Total lymphocyte counts were not decreased, but transient reduction of the frequency of thymus-dependent cells occurred in 3 patients. The responses of the lymphocytes to phytomitogens and PPD were temporarily decreased these 3 patients. In 2 subjects the phytomitogen reactivity of the lymphocytes was improved after treatment.


Macrophage disappearance reaction in Rana esculenta induced by specific antigen and rabbit lymphokines. Macrophage disappearance reaction was induced by intraperitoneal injections of specific antigens in Rana esculenta sensitized by bovine gamma globulin and Mycobacterium bovis BCG. Rabbit lymphokines derived from concanavalin A stimulated blood lymphocytes injected intraperitoneally were able to induce macrophage disappearance reaction in normal Rana esculenta. This suggests that mammalian lymphokines are capable of acting in amphibia. Mammalian lymphokines have not an exclusive class-specificity in vertebrates.


[On pre-requirements to the use of audio-visual techniques in deviant children. Thoughts from the psychoanalytical treatment of a thirteen months aged child (author's transl)]. This paper deals with the analytical cure of a child between 13 and 21 months and hospitalized since birth. In a first phase, one can see the start of a relationship, then the objectal relationship to primary objects: on the one hand the object food and on the other hand the therapist within the transfert. These two objects, impossible in the reality dimension from the start, are progressively characterized by "neantisation", which can reach symbolic tone. A scene in front of the picture of a child on knees of a nurse progressively introduces Nadia to the third register: the imagery one. Her behaviour is exemplary during the 17 scences on the mirror, during which she can progressively assume the image of her unified body under the view of the other, in demonstrating that she can only do it by symbolizing primary objects, in particular "to drink nothing". The symbolisation acquired at the oral level permits to verbalise on the same mode her relationship to the anal object, i.e. on the non destructive symbolic mode. This treatment raises the question of the use of audio-visual techniques for psychotic and autistic subjects, and recuses the pedagogic use of image for such subjects, taking into account the primary importance of symbolic function on imagery function demonstrated in this paper. This is a prerequisite for any research in the field of audiovisual techniques with psychotics.


The measurement of histamine release from suspensions of rat peritoneal cells rich in mast cells. Histamine released from the mast cells in unfractionated rat peritoneal cell suspensions could be quickly and conveniently measured by an automated chemical method. There were no substances in the unfractionated peritoneal cells that interfered with the chemical histamine measurement. Organic extraction of histamine and deproteinization of samples were not necessary using the automated method. The amount of histamine released from preparations of peritoneal cells by a fixed concentration of compound 48/80 decreased with the time of preincubation of the cells but this varied between preparations. Phagocytic activity directed against the mast cells probably explained these observations. The state of nutrition of the rats and the presence or absence and/or glucose in the medium all influenced the rate of decline of viability of the mast cells.


Detection of genetic variation with radioactive ligands. II. Genetic variants of vitamin D-labeled group-specific component (Gc) proteins. A novel technique for detecting electrophoretic and quantitative variants of group-specific component (Gc) proteins is described. The technique, in vitro labeling with radioactive vitamin D followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and autoradiography (PAGE autoradiography), permits sensitive, high resolution detection of Gc variants by virtue of a physiologically significant property: the ability of Gc to bind vitamin D and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Using this procedure, anodal Gc variants, with mobility similar to Gc Aborigine and Gc Eskimo, were observed in Chinese, Japanese, African Pygmies, and American Blacks. The gene frequency of these variants ranges from 2.6% to 15%; they were not previously known to be polymorphic in these populations. In addition to qualitative variants, individual variation in Gc band density ratios is documented and discussed. These studies not only illustrate the utility of PAGE autoradiography in screening Gc, but also confirm that a major functional role of Gc in man and other animals is the transport of vitamin D and vitamin D metabolites.


Laboratory procedures used in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus: a review. The literature concerning the laboratory procedures presently available to aid in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was reviewed to determine which of these techniques could be most valuable in the detection and management of SLE patients. The LE cell test, once the laboratory basis for SLE diagnosis, was concluded to be insensitive, non-specific, and did not correspond to clinical activity of the patient. A second procedure, antinuclear-antibody detection, although very sensitive, was not specific for SLE; therefore, its value is limited for use as a screening technique to rule out SLE. The Farr anti-DNA precipitate immunoassay, used for the measurement of antibodies to DNA, was sensitive and specific, and also correlated well with the clinical condition of the patient. Therefore, the Farr binding assay is recommended as the laboratory procedure of choice since it is useful in monitoring disease activity and may contribute to earlier diagnosis and more precise management of SLE patients.


[Studies on the modification of performance and metabolic processes in sheep through experimental Fasciola hepatica infections considering low infestation intensity]. Low experimental infections with Fasciola hepatica (8...17 flukes per animal) in sheep, 6...12 months old, caused less gain weight over a period of 22 weeks. Changes in the number of erythrocytes and in the Hb-concentration were not found. In contrast to the controls the infected sheep showed strong fluctuations in the number of lymphocytes. 3 weeks post infect. a significant eosinophilia was observed, which continued until the end of the investigation. With the beginning of the fourth week post infect. the values of serum albumin were lower, the values of gamma-globulin higher than those of the controls, but there was no statistical significance. The bromosulphalein-test for liver function was negative.


A reverse transcriptase assay for detection of the bovine leukemia virus. An RNA-dependent DNA polymerase or reverse transcriptase has been demonstrated in highly purified bovine leukemia virus (BLV) particles. The viral enzyme responded very effectively to the exogenous template primer polyneucleotide (poly) (rA)-oligonucleotide (oligo) (dT). Unlike the reverse transcriptases of most mammalian C type RNA viruses, and of the ubliquitous foamy-like bovine syncytial virus, the BLV enzyme prefers magnesium rather than manganese for optimal activity. The identification of several other conditions required for optimal activity of the viral reverse transcriptase led to the development of a rapid, sensitive, semiquantitative assay, which is comparable in sensitivity to the syncytia-infectivity assay for the detection of BLV in supernatant fluids of monolayer cell cultures. However, the reverse transcriptase assay is not sufficiently reproducible for obtaining routine detection of BLV in short-term cultures of bovine peripheral blood lymphocytes. Therefore, this assay does not seem to provide an accurate method for the diagnosis of BL virus infection in cattle.


Acute intravenous premedication with nalbuphine. In a randomized, double blind study of 75 adult surgical patients, nalbuphine (0.1 mg/kg), morphine (0.1 mg/kg), or a placebo were administered intravenously as premedication 12 to 16 minutes prior to induction of anesthesia. Comparison of the 3 groups showed: (1) patients receiving nalbuphine and morphine had a significant reduction of minute ventilation and a significantly greater incidence of immediate side effects than did patients receiving placebo injections; (2) patients receiving morphine required no medication for pain in the early postoperative period; and (3) patients receiving nalbulphine experienced less nausea and/or vomiting postoperatively than did those in the other 2 groups.


Immunoglobulin M associated with secretory component and immunoglobulin A deficiency in bovine colostrum. Immunoglobulin (Ig) M purified from bovine colostrum was examined by an immunodiffusion analysis with antisecretory IgA serum and was found to be associated with a secretory component. Some of the combined proteins were dissociated if treated with 5 M guanidine-HCl and others were not. Another immunodiffusion analysis of 23 specimens of colostrum led to the finding that certain colostrums were deficient in IgA, even though they contained IgG and IgM.


[Detection of a new lipoprotein: Lp(a). Its occurrence in atherosclerosis with or without hyperlipemia]. Detected using a method involving gradient electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel, the presence of a high level of an Lp(a) was demonstrated in 17% of control subjects and 39% oh hyperlipidaemic subjects explored. The difference appeared to be particularly significant in subjects with a pure hypercholesterolaemia (type IIA) or dominant hypercholesterolaemia (type IIB), which may be accounted for by the antigenic communities and related substances in the lipid composition uniting Lp(a) to LDL. The association of frank atherosclerosis with the hyperlipidaemia substantially increased the frequency of high levels of circulating Lp(a). A combined elevation of levels of Lp(a) and LDL would seem to be associated with a particular atherogenic power.


Fiber types and metabolic potentials of skeletal muscles in sedentary man and endurance runners. This description of some of the present knowledge on skeletal muscle fibers, their metabolic potentials, and their interplay with the degree of physical activity has revealed that skeletal muscle of man has a very large capacity for adaptation. Moreover, this adaptability appears to be of utmost importance for the metabolic response as well as for performance. Although all this is true, it should not distract us from the fact that we are lacking the most important information. The questions that need to be answered are: What triggers the changes to take place? Which are the regulatory mechanisms?


Uptake and incorporation of glucose and mannose by whole cells of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. Glucose uptake by whole-cell suspensions of the obligate anaerobe Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron was two- to fourfold higher under aerobic conditions than during incubation under atmospheres of N(2) or H(2) gas. The O(2)-stimulated uptake activity was lost rapidly (>70% in 5 h) when cell suspensions were incubated aerobically, but this loss was prevented by the addition of crude catalase. Catalase had no apparent effect on cell viability during these incubations. Glucose uptake activity was strongly inhibited by a 10-fold excess of mannose or galactose but not by methyl-alpha-d-glucoside, fructose, or lactose. Both glucose and mannose were rapidly incorporated into polyglucose after uptake. The O(2)-stimulated glucose uptake was not inhibited by cyanide, azide, 2,4-dinitrophenol, or 2-N-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline-N-oxide. However, p-chloromercuribenzoate, menadione, and sodium fluoride inhibited uptake by 88, 67, and 55%, respectively. All attempts to detect phosphoenolpyruvate-phosphotransferase activity for glucose, methyl-alpha-d-glucoside, and 2-deoxyglucose were negative. The bacteria contained hexokinase activity and a complete glycolytic Embden-Meyerhof pathway.


[Antigenic study of Serratia marcescens isolated in France. I.--Antigens: individualization of six new H factors (author's transl)]. The H antigens of 469 strains of Serratia marcescens have been studied. A specific immobilization test in soft agar with antiserum is described. Being more quickly carried out than tube agglutination, it has the same specificity. The most frequently identified H antigen is H:12. Six new H antigens (H:14 to H:19) have been individualized, one of them--H:17--frequently occurring in strains isolated in France.


Squamous metaplastic cells in cervical canal aspiration smears in women with ovarian function disorders. Clinical findings and cytological data of 100 non-pregnant in-patients with squamous metaplastic cells in their cervical canal aspiration smears were compared to 100 randomly selected women without metaplastic cells, both groups having been diagnosed as ovarian disturbances. In women with squamous metaplastic cells more frequent cervical canal erosions, abnormal results of water-salt test and diagnosis of hypothalamic postpregnancy syndrome were stated. The findings together with the drift to the right of the Maturation Index, higher the Maturation Value and Eosinophilic Index and lower the Cytolytic Index, may suggest that the disturbances of the neurohormonal background are important in pathogenesis of the endocervical squamous metaplasia and that the latter may play a role in carcinogenesis.


[Practice related attempts at a precision diagnosis in gynecological cytology]. In a selected material of 316 cases detailed cytological examinations were made, above all, of categories of the Papanicolaou groups III, IV and V. These are special cases with prediagnostically aggravating factors of various, kinds, without and after irradiation therapy. As a comparison, smear-preparations of the Papanicolaou group IV from screening examinations are stated. We aimed at achieving a precisation of cytodiagnostics, so as to achieve in this way the classification to the Papanicolaou groups with a greater reliability. In order to increase the degree of objectivity, the renewed judgements of the preparations by 2 persons (secondary and tertiary diagnostics) were carried through. After the decolorisation of preparations already diagnosed (primary diagnostics) and subsequent renewed judgement after a PAS-reaction test, a significant precisation of the Papanicolaou group III could be reached by a more exact demonstratability of the cell nucleus structures. A strikingly state-blue stainability of the cell nuclei was found significantly more frequently with histologically confirmed carcinomata, less frequently with so-called preliminary stages. There was no statistically significant difference between the preparations taken from non-radiated cases and the cases with a state following radiatio, as far as a precisation was concerned. The kind of this additional processing of the gynaecological smear preparations is applicable in practice, too. It should, however, be mainly reserved to diagnostically problematical cases.


Inductive influence of macrophages on cytotoxic properties of lymphocytes. Normal rat lymphocytes preincubated over syngeneic peritoneal macrophages derived from rats sensitized to tuberculous bacilli and then cultured with PPD showed a cytotoxic effect on sheep red blood cells coated with PPD. This effect was antigen specific and did not involve the nonspecific influence of macrophages.


The potential advantages and requirements of live attenuated influenza virus vaccines. Live attenuated influenza A virus vaccines are potentially the most efficient and effective method of immunization against epidemic influenza, and offer the only feasible means of mass vaccination at a socially acceptable cost. The advantage of live virus vaccines are described and compared with killed virus vaccines in terms of immune responses, protection and commercial production. The most frequently considered methods of attenuation and their individual drawbacks are discussed with speculation on the future development and rationale of master vaccine strains. Recommended minimal requirements of master vaccine strains and candidate live vaccines are presented as a basis for their eventual evaluation by licensing authorities.


Semen collection and evaluation in the ram. The preparation of spermatozoa for morphological examination. Tail and mid-piece morphology of ram spermatozoa were compared using wet preparations of semen diluted in buffered formal saline at temperatures of 10 degrees C and 65 degrees C. The temperature of the diluent did not affect the occurrence of abnormalities. Tail and mid-piece morphology were also examined in semen smears stained by a modified Williams' stain using glass slides at temperatures of 10 degrees C, 38 degrees C and 65 degrees C. The occurrence of the abnormalities was not affected by the slide temperature. The occurrence of tail and mid-piece abnormalities was compared using the 2 methods of preparation. Only the occurrence of distal cytoplasmic droplets was affected by the method of preparation. In the stained smear preparations, most of the distal cytoplasmic droplets were lost. However, only a few of the proximal droplets were lost when this method was used.


Serum esterase genetics in rabbits. IV. The prealbumin and beta-globulin systems. Discontinuous starch gel electrophoresis revealed a fourth allele of rabbit pre-albumin serum esterase at locus Est-2. This allele is designated Est-2f and appears to be silent. In addition to the prealbumin serum esterases, another serum esterase system was studied in rabbits. This system is localized in the beta-globulin region. Genetic analysis indicated that one locus with two codominant alleles controls the variation in this region. Linkage of this system with Est-1 and Est-2 of the prealbumin serum esterases was demonstrated. Comparison of the arrangement of these esterase loci on linkage group VI with the esterase loci on chromosome 8 of the mouse gives additional support for the theory of evolutionary conservation of chromosomal segments coding for mammalian esterases.