[Limey bile (author's transl)].

[Limey bile (author's transl)]. Since 1937 we have seen 43 cases of limey bile. The clinical and radiological features and pathological and chemical characteristics are described. Radiological investigation is essential for diagnosis. There are no characteristic clinical findings. Pathologically, the gall bladder shows mild inflammatory features with occlusion of the cystic duct, the gall bladder containing calcium-rich white bile. Calcium carbonate exists as a crystalline or amorphous sediment. The calcium carbonate excretion has not resulted in stone formation. Limey bile is produced by the gall bladder in the gall bladder mucosa. The reason for the high calcium carbonate content and for the crystalline form is unknown. In our experience limey bile is not an early stage in the formation of gall stones, nor does it result from a calcified gall bladder empyema. Limey bile must be considered as a parallel process to the formation of calcium carbonate stones.


Hand angiography and Raynaud's syndrome. Forty-eight patients with Raynaud's syndrome and seven volunteers without it were studied by magnification hand angiography which included studies of the effects of cold exposure before and after the selective intraarterial administration of reserpine. Most of the patients with Raynaud's syndrome, in addition to organic obstructive disease, exhibited both basal vasoconstriction and exaggerated, persisting cryogenic vasospasm of the hand arteries. Studies done two days after reserpine administration revealed decreases in both basal and cryogenic vasospasm in most patients and the degree of angiographic improvement correlated well with subsequently determined clinical responses to long-term vasodilator drug therapy. Hand angiography with examinations after cold exposure and its combination with the postreserpine pharmacodynamic studies is a useful technique in Raynaud's syndrome, both diagnostically and in predicting the outcome of longterm vasodilator therapy.


[The value of intra-osseous angiography for primary, malignant bone tumours (author's transl)]. By means of intra-osseous angiography, it is possible to demonstrate abnormal vascularisation, the vascular pattern of osteolytic sarcomas differing markedly from that of osteoplastictumours. Important information can be obtained regarding the close relationship between tumour vessels and the parosteal soft tissue vessels. The close relationship between these provides ample explanation for the early occurrence of haematogenous metastases. The extent of the intramedullary tumour component of chondrosarcomas can also be demonstrated.


[Myelography in patients with acute cauda equina syndrome (author's transl)]. An emergency myelography was performed on 51 patients with acute cauda equina syndrome. Altogether 23 total obstructions for various causes were found; as well as 13 disc herniations, 2 spinal stenoses and 13 patients with minimal findings in water-soluble myelography. A scheme was developed to analyse the cause of the obstruction and the level of the obstruction in disc herniation cases. The scheme seems to function fairly well, although we have had three errors in the diagnoses of 23 obstructions.


[Contrast and exposure in xeroradiography (author's transl)]. Systematic sensitometric measurements of xero-radiographs were carried out and compared with ordinary X-ray films. The effect of kilovoltage and exposure on image contrast and resolution was investigated; optimal exposure and kilovoltage were sought and sources of loss of information are pointed out.


[Xeroradiography in the radiological diagnosis of the extremities and soft tissues (author's transl)]. The authors carried out comparative examinations on 30 patients in order to determine whether xeroradiography had any advantages over film techniques in the examination of the soft tissues of the extremities. The xerograms show fatty degeneration of muscle fibres margins of individual muscles, calcification, oedema and so on, more clearly and are therefore of more value in diagnosis. The saving in time, using xerograms, is significant and conventional photo-copies can be obtained without logetronics.


[An investigation into the effect of xerographic property on tomograms (author's transl)]. The properties of xerography as they affect tomography have been studied on phantoms. It was shown that, apart from better rendering of soft tissues, there is no fundamental difference. Section thickness and unwanted shadows are not influenced either way for optimal exposures. Significant improvement in diagnostic information can only be expected, if at all, under very special circumstances.


The influence of concentration and dose upon the extravascular distribution of intra-arterially injected meglumine diatrizoate. The dose and concentration of an intra-arterially injected contrast medium, when increased approximately fivefold from a slightly hypotonic solution, produced lower tissue distribution volumes and lower extravascular diatrizoate fractions in the rat. A further fivefold increase in dose (to 1 ml/kg) with little change in concentration produced even lower early distribution volumes. Increases of concentration and dose caused a higher percentage of the contrast medium to remain within the vasculature, presumably as a result of extraction of tissue water by the hypertonic medium. Changes in the concentration of the contrast medium affected its distribution volume for a longer time than corresponding changes in the actual dose. The use of the more concentrated contrast media at higher doses should be expected to give better radiologic detail on angiograms.


[Experimental investigations on the effect of progesterone on contrast excretion (author's transl)]. The relationship between high dose progesterone treatment and pregnancy and dilatation of the upper urinary tract was investigated by doing intravenous urograms on eight female rabbits. Ten features of the urogram were studied. It was concluded that the administration of sex hormones to rabbits without any mechanical change in the ureters, did not lead to urographically demonstrable dilatation of the ureters. Negative findings in pregnant animals indicate that the mechanical situation in rabbits differs from that found in human pregnancy. The results are discussed with relation to the available literature.


[Contact allergy caused by new dental impression materials]. In 1965 a new group of polymeric materials has been introduced into dentistry which is used for temporary crowns, bridges and impression materials. In handling it contact may occur with all components of these impression materials (Scutan, Impregum). Contact over a long period may lead to allergic contact dermatitis. Epicutaneous tests in three dentists and a technical assistant revealed that the catalysts of the impression materials are responsible for contact allergy. In experiments with guinea pigs the strong sensitization capacity of the catalysts could be demonstrated. Methyl-dichlorbenzolsulfonat (catalyst of Impregum) showed a stronger effect than methyl-p-toluolsulfonat (catalyst of Scutan). Besides their allergenic properties these substances also act as primary irritants. As these materials are widespread in dentistry more attention should be payed at the risk of hand eczemas in dentists and dental personnel caused by the catalysts of Impregum and Scutan.


[Serum levels of gonadotrophins, testosterone and estradiol in acne vulgaris]. In 69 male acne patients, 15--24 years old and 17 young men of the same age plasma FSH, prolactin, testosterone and estradiol are determined. Only the mean testosterone levels are significantly elevated in acne patients against the controls.


The isolation and structure elucidation of macrocyclic lactone antibiotic, A26771B. The isolation, biological properties and structure elucidation of a sixteen-membered macrocyclic lactone antibiotic, designated A26771B (1), obtained from Penicillium turbatum are discussed.


Nitrogen regulation of arginase in Neurospora crassa. The final products of the arginine catabolism that can be utilized as a nitrogen source in Neurospora crassa are ammonium, glutamic acid, and glutamine. The effect of these compounds on arginase induction by arginine was studied. In wild-type strain 74-A, induction by arginine was almost completely repressed by glutamic acid plus ammonium, whereas ammonium or glutamic acid alone had only moderate effects. Arginine products of catabolism also repressed arginase induction. A mutant, ure-1, which lacks urease activity, hyperinduced its arginase with arginine as a nitrogen source. The addition of either ammonium or glutamine produced effects similar to those in the wild-type strain. The effect of ammonium on arginase induction is mediated through its conversion into glutamine. This was demonstrated in mutant am-1, which lacks L-glutamate dehydrogenase activity. In this mutant, the effect of glutamic acid was reduced, and, with ammonium, it was completely lost. The addition of glutamine or glutamic acid plus ammonium to this strain decreased by threefold the induction of arginase by arginine. Proline, a final product of arginine catabolism, competitively inhibited arginase activity. This effect and the repression of arginase by glutamine are examples of negative modulation of the first enzyme in a catabolic pathway by its final products.


Localization of the phlorizin site on Na, K-ATPase in red cell membranes. Phlorizin at 2 X 10(-4) M inhibited Na+ and Rb+-activated ATPase activities in human red cell membranes by 43%. It inhibited the 86Rb uptake activity of erythrocytes by only 15%. 86Rb uptake into resealed ghosts was inhibited strongly when phlorizin and ATP were preloaded in the ghosts before resealing. Na,K-ATPase activity in the resealed ghosts was also inhibited in the presence of phlorizin inside but not outside the ghosts. These findings suggested that the phlorizin site is located inside the cell.


Incubation of myosin with exogenous small components (g1, g2, or g3) in KSCN or LiCl and properties of g-exchanged myosins. Myosin was incubated with a large excess of exogenous g1, g2 or g3 in 0.6 M KSCN (or in 4 M LiCl) for 1-2 h at 0-2 degrees C. KSCN (or LiCl) was then removed by dialysis. The composition of g-chains in the resulting myosin was analyzed by SDS-gel electrophoresis. When myosin was incubated with g1, the amount of g1 in myosin increased and the increment was nearly counterbalanced by a decrease in g3, whereas an opposite change was observed on incubation with g3. The amount of g2 was not changed by these treatments.  The same ATPase activity as that of control myosin was observed in the presence of Ca2+ or EDTA with the myosins incubated with g1, g2, or g3, but the activity in the presence of Mg2+ was about one-half of the control. The Ca2+ sensitivity of actomyosin containing the treated myosins was slightly higher than that of actomyosin containing the control myosin. Spin-labeled g1 or spin-labeled g3 was incorporated into myosin, but the ESR spectra of two spin labels were not distinguishable. No information could be obtained from the ESR spectra by the addition of Ca2+, Mg2+, nucleotides or actin. Inhibition of ATPase activity was observed when SH groups g1 or g3 in myosin were chemically modified.


A simple method for the isolation of actin from myxomycete plasmodia. A new, simple method for the isolation of actin from myxomycete plasmodia has been developed. Plasmodium myosin B was incubated at 55 degrees C for 15 min in the presence of ATP or was treated with 90% acetone. By this treatment myosin was denatured completely. Actin was then extracted with a dilute ATP and cysteine solution from the heat- or acetone-treated myosin B. The method is simple and almost pure actin was obtained in high yield. The purified G-actin polymerized to F-actin on addition of 0.1 M KCl or 2 mM MgCl2. The viscosity of the purified F-actin was 8-10 dl/g. The F-actin activated muscle myosin ATPase, and actomyosin synthesized from the F-actin and muscle myosin showed superprecipitation on addition of ATP.


Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of a light chain of the chicken gizzard myosin molecule. Chicken gizzard myosin was incubated with ATP and/or "native" tropomyosin (NTM) of gizzard muscle in the presence or absence of calcium ions. One of the two light chains of the myosin molecule was phosphorylated in the presence of Ca, but not in its absence. The phosphorylated gizzard myosin was dephosphorylated by a crude preparation of myosin light-chain phosphatase obtained from gizzard muscle. In a superprecipitation test in the presence of EGTA, actomyosin reconstituted from dephosphorylated gizzard myosin did not superprecipitate, whereas actomyosin reconstituted from phosphorylated gizzard myosin showed superprecipitation activity which was inhibited by skeletal NTM and reactivated by Ca.


Studies on the turnovers in vivo of adenosine di- and triphosphates in a coupling factor of Escherichia coli. The metabolic stabilities of bound adenine nucleotides in a membrane-bound ATPase (EF1) [EC 3.6.1.3] of Escherichia coli were studied by estimating their rates of turnover in vivo. Two-thirds of the bound ATP prelabelled with 32Pi in EF1 molecules was retained after 3 h in a chase medium. The bound ADP was chased rapidly with a half time of decrease of less than 1 h, the rate similar to that of cytoplasmic free nucleotides. These results suggest that bound ATP in the EF1 is not a direct intermediate in oxidative phosphorylation.


Pathway for isoleucine formation form pyruvate by leucine biosynthetic enzymes in leucine-accumulating isoleucine revertants of Serratia marcescens. Leaky revertants isolated from isoleucine auxotrophs of Serratia marcescens mutant resistant to alpha-aminobutyric acid were previously reported to accumulate leucine in the medium, due to the absence of both feedback inhibition and repression of leucine biosynthesis. Growth of the revertant was accelerated by pyruvate, D(-)-citramalate, citraconate, and alpha-ketobutyrate, but not by threonine. Extracts of the revertant exhibited high activities of pyruvate-dependent coenzyme A liberation from acetyl-coenzyme A, hydration of citraconate, and conversion of citraconate to alpha-ketobutyrate, but showed no threonine-deaminating activity. In the leucine-accumulating revertants the above three activities were not affected by leucine, but in the wild strain and other revertants accumulating no leucine all or one of these activities was controlled by leucine. A leucine auxotroph isolated from the leucine-accumulating revertant showed isoleucine auxotrophy as well. From these data, it is concluded that, in leucine-accumulating revertants, of S. marcescent, isoleucine, is synthesized from alpha-ketobutyrate via citramalate formed from pyruvate annd acetyl-coenzyme A by leucine biosynthetic enzymes, as a result of desensitization of alpha-isopropylmalate synthetase to feedback inhibition.


Enzymatic properties of the heavy meromyosin subfragment of cardiac myosin from normal and thyrotoxic rabbits. Myosin from the hearts of thyrotoxic animals (myosin-T) exhibits elevated Ca2+-ATPase activity. To clarify the physiological significance of this increased activity, we have investigated the steady state kinetics of the interaction of actin and MgATP with the double-headed heavy meromyosin subfragment of cardiac myosin from thyrotoxic rabbits (HMM-T). The enhanced Ca2+-ATPase activity of myosin-T was completely retained in HMM-T. The Vmax for actin-activated MgATP hydrolysis by HMM-T (1.08 +/- 0.10 mumol of Pi/mg/min). Under physiological ionic conditions, the Vmax was 0.14 +/- 0.02 mumol of Pi/mg/min as compared with the normal value of 0.08 +/- 0.01 mumol of Pi/mg/min. Furthermore, the salt dependence of Vmax and Kapp for the actin-activated ATPase of HMM-T differed markedly from normal and resembled that usually associated with the single-headed (S1) cleavage product of myosin. These results suggest that the changes in enzymatic properties of myosin-T are responsible for the increased speed of contraction observed in the hearts of thyrotoxic animals. Also, the alteration in the interaction of HMM-T with actin suggests that a loss of cooperativity between the myosin heads may occur.


In vitro studies of transplantation antigens present on bone cells in the rat. In vitro studies on isolated bone cells were undertaken to investigate the presence of transplantation (histocompatibility) antigens. Bone cells were cultured with allogeneic lymphocytes and exposed to cytotoxic sera containing antibodies against transplantation antigens, to determine their antigenic profile. Preliminary results suggest that bone cells may not express lymphocyte stimulating antigens in an active form, at least after the isolation procedure performed. On the other hand, bone cells were killed by cytotoxic antibodies in a specific way, providing evidence for the presence of serologically defined (SD) transplantation antigens on the cell surface. Additional studies with absorbed sera suggest "sharing" of histocompatibility antigens between bone cells and lymphocytes. The relevance of the surface antigens of bone cells to clinical fields such as bone allotransplantation, susceptibility to various orthopaedic diseases and skeletal sarcomata is discussed.


Anabolic actions of reduced and S-carbamidomethylated human growth hormone and its plasmin digest in man. Six children aged 12-15 yr, deficient in endogenous growth hormone, were each treated, after a 7-day control period, for 7 days with 0.0168, 0.052, and 0.168 U/kg body wt3/4 human growth (hGH) (doses A, B, and C, respectively) in separate metabolic balance studies. Doses B and C caused a dose-related retention of N, P, K, Na, and Cl in ratios of 1/0.069/4.5/7.5/5.6. These ratios indicate increments in masses of protoplasm/extracellular fluid (ECF)/bone in ratios of 1/2.0/ less than 0.001. Three of the children were also treated with doses A, B, and C of reduced and carbamidomethylated hGH (RCAM-hGH). Doses B and C caused 1.2-2.8 times as much retention of N, P, and K, and 0.3-0.5 times as much retention of Na and Cl, as did the corresponding doses of hGH. The plasmin digest of RCAM-hGH gave results generally similar to RCAM-hGH. For RCAM-hGH and its plasmin digest, N, P, K, Na, and Cl were retained in ratios of about 1/0.14/5.4/2.2/2.1, indicating increments of protoplasm/ECF/bone of about 1/0.8/0.05. These findings indicate that reduction and carbamidomethylation alter the anabolic actions of hGH in man in both quantitative and qualitative manner. RCAM-hGH is more potent in stimulating enlargement of protoplasm and bone, and less potent in stimulating expansion of ECF, than is the native hormone. The profile of anabolic actions of RCAM-hGH in man does not appear to be further altered by digestion with plasmin.


Denial, locus of control and depression among physically disabled and nondisabled men. The Denial and the Depression scales of the MMPI and Rotter's Locus of Control scale were administered to 26 men with locomotor disabilities and to 44 nondisabled men. Among the disabled, brain-damaged scored higher in the Denial scale than the non-brain-damaged disabled, but not higher than the nondisabled Ss. A fairly high correlation was found between Denial and Locus of Control. The more the S believed that he is externally controlled, the less denial he employed. All disabled groups scored significantly higher on the Depression scale than the nondisabled group. The latter finding is discussed in terms of two behavioral formulations of depression.


Role of glucocorticoids in an abnormal grooming behavior in cats with pontile or frontal neocortical lesions. Cats with pontile or frontal neocortical lesions display a tactually elicited dissociation of appetitive and consummatory grooming behaviors. Systemic administration of glucocorticoids abolished the abnormal grooming behavior in cats with lesions, even when the stimulatory effect of glucocorticoids on serotonin metabolism was blocked by administration of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA). Microinjections of glucocorticoids into the superior colliculi also significantly decreased the abnormal grooming behavior. Adrenalectomized cats did not display the abnormal grooming behavior, but the abnormal behavior did occur in PCPA-treated adrenalectomized cats. Administration of either glucorticoids or 5-hydroxytryptophan abolished the abnormal behavior in PCPA-treated adrenalectomized cats. Thus, it appears that the pontile and frontal neocortical lesions produce deficits in both glucocorticoids and serotonin, and these deficits are necessary and sufficient conditions for inducing the abnormal grooming behavior.


Rapid multiparameter analysis of cell stimulation in mixed lymphocyte culture reactions. A flow-cytofluorometric method, based on the differential stability of deoxyribonucleic acid versus ribonucleic acid with the metachromatic dye, acridine orange, simultaneously measures the following parameters of stimulation in mixed lymphocyte cultures: (a) number of nonstimulated cells; (b) total number of stimulated lymphocytes; (c) number of stimulated lymphocytes in G1, S and G2 + M phases of the cell cycle; (d) number of macrophages; (e) number of dead cells. The progress of lymphocyte stimulation may also be measured by a parameter representing ribonucleic acid accumulation per cell. The method is rapid, avoids cell rinsing, fixation and centrifugation and is applicable to microcultures. Multiparameter analysis of cell stimulation which provides simultaneous measurements of lymphocyte proliferation and accumulation of ribonucleic acid per cell may prove to be a more sensitive assay of histocompatibility than tests based only on cell proliferation (tritiated thymidine incorporation).


Antigenic requirements for the generation of secondary cytotoxicity. The in vitro role of products of the H-2 complex in restimulation of secondary proliferative and cytotoxic responses has been studied. In this paper we have studied in particular the role of CD antigens, the target antigens for cytotoxic T lymphocytes. We have used UV-treated cells that express their CD antigens but no LD. Like others, we demonstrate that CD antigens alone are able to generate a secondary cytotoxic response and furthermore that these CD antigens must be the same as those used for primary sensitization. However, in contrast to the results of others, in some cases UV-treated  cells were unable to restimulate such a response even when appropriate controls showed that the CD antigens on UV-treated cells were functional. Furthermore, in these cases the addition of an LD stimulus in the presence of UV-treated cells results in a secondary cytotoxic response that is significantly greater than that elicited by LD restimulation alone. Such potentiation is not observed if the CD antigens used for restimulation are different from those used for the primary sensitization. In addition, a non-H 2 differences(s), presumably the M1s locus, appears to be able to generate a secondary response. The implication of these results are discussed in terms of "memory" T lymphocytes in cell-mediated immunity.


Antigen-induced cyclophosphamide-resistant suppressor T cells inhibit the in vitro generation of cytotoxic cells from one-way mixed leukocyte reactions. Mice sensitized against a tumor allograft and given cyclophosmamide 6 days later failed to generate an immune response to the allograft. Spleen cells derived from these mice suppressed the generation of cytotoxic T cell response by normal spleen cells in mixed leukocyte cultures. The suppressor cells were not specific, thymus dependent, and resistant to 2000 R.


In vitro reactivity in allograft tolerance: persistence of mixed leukocyte culture reactivity in highly tolerant rats. Mixed leukocyte culture reactivity was studied in adult W/Fu rats judged to be highly tolerant after the inoculation of (W/Fu X BN)F1 hybrid spleen and bone marrow cells at birth. Reactivity was observed in a majority of tolerant donors tested and documented by quantitative dose-response and kinetic studies. Allograft tolerance cannot be explained by a complete lack of specific immune reactivity to tolerated alloantigens.


Neonatal islet cell transplantation in the diabetic rat: effect on hepatic enzyme activity and glucose homeostasis. Intraperitoneal transplantation of collagenase-digested, isogeneic, neonatal rat pancreatic tissue successfully reversed streptozotocin-induced diabetes in 77% of recipients. The low serum immunoreactive insulin, hyperglycaemia, glycosuria and weight loss, characteristic of the diabetic animal, were corrected and the reduced activities of hepatic glucokinase and pyruvate kinase, and the low glycogen concentration of the liver of diabetic rats were restored to normal. Forty-three per cent of the successfully transplanted rats became normoglycaemic within 1 month of transplantation whereas 57% took from 1 to 6 months to achieve normoglycaemia and displayed a mild glucose intolerance when subjected to a glucose load. The rats which had not become normoglycaemic 6 months after transplantation showed some amelioration of the diabetic state, as shown by increased serum immunoreactive insulin and hepatic glycogen concentration and a slow weight gain compared with diabetic controls.


Regulatory mechanisms in cell-mediated immune responses. V. H-2 homology requirements for the production of a minor locus-induced suppressor factor. A mixed leukocyte reaction suppressor factor is produced by spleen cells sensitized in vivo and restimulated in vitro across non-H-2 antigenic barriers. Cells capable of producing this factor appear in the spleens of minor locus-immunized animals later than in animals sensitized to major histocompatibility complex-encoded antigens. However, both H-2 and non H-2-induced factors suppress proliferative responses to any alloantigen. Splenocytes from animals immunized with H-2-identical, minor locus-disparate cells produce suppressor factor in vitro only when restimulated with cells sharing both H-2 and non-H-2 antigens with the in vivo stimulators.


The Southeast Asian interpretation of gender dysphoria: an illustrative case report. In the West gender dysphoria is commonly attributed to a biological abnormality, parental influences favoring assumption of a gender opposite to the subject's anatomical sex, or a combination of these factors. In Southeast Asia (among Hindus and Buddhists), numerous cases of gender dysphoria occur. They generally receive less attention than they do in the West and evoke relatively little concern on the part of the persons affected and the members of their families. The condition is attribwted to residues of a previous life as a member of the opposite sex. Some persons with gender identity confusion claim to remember details of previous lives. A case illustrating such claims (without verifiable details) is presented.


The effect of training and detraining on muscle composition in the horse. 1. Percutaneous needle biopsies were obtained from six limb muscles in six horses before and during a training programme of 10 or 15 weeks designed to involve both aerobic and anaerobic work. In a subsequent detraining period, biopsies were also taken after 5 and 10 weeks. 2. Samples were analysed biochemically for enzyme activity of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), aldolase (ALD), citrate synthase (CS), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and for glycogen content. Fibre typing was carried out histochemically before and 10 weeks after commencement of training. 3. There was a significant increase in the percentage of high myosin ATPase activity pH 9-4/high oxidative (FTH) fibres with a corresponding decrease in high myosin ATPase activity pH 9-4/low oxidative (FT) fibres and low myosin ATPase activity pH 9-4/high oxidative (ST) fibres after 10 weeks training. 4. During training, enzyme activities increased progressively but at different rates with an approximate twofold increase in all of the enzymes except CPK by the end of the training period. Changes in all the muscles studied were similar. Glycogen content increased by approximately 33% which was significant when all the muscles were considered together. 5. A decrease in enzyme activity occurred after 5 weeks detraining. However at 10 weeks a consistent but inexplicable increase in all enzyme levels, except CS again occurred. 6. It is concluded that training increased greatly the activity of enzymes involved in both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism.


Uncommon ocular changes in Down's syndrome (mongolism). A one-year-old White female mongoloid child was seen with typical palpebral fissures, esotropia, myopic astigmatism, and nystagmus. Additional uncommon ocular findings included ganglionic neuroretinal hypoplasia (hypoplasia of the optic nerve) and bilateral congenital impatency of the nasolacrimal duct. An active search for these ocular changes is recommended in cases of Down's syndrome.


Reconstitution of a proton pump from gastric mucosa. Purified vesicular fractions from hog gastric mucosa have been incorporated into phosphatidyl serine bilayers. In the presence of MgATP on one side and symmetrical Na2SO4 solutions, a short circuit current (SCC) away from that side is observed increasing exponentially with time, while the corresponding open circuit potential (OCP) is maintained constant for greater than 30 min. In K2SO4 solutions the SCC time course is essentially unchanged, but the OCP falls to almost zero after 15-20 min. In Na -- K gradient there is a similar SCC away from the K-side whose exponential rate is increased by ATP added to both sides. The time course of these events depends only on the time from the formation on the black film. These results are interpreted as showing: (1) There is an ATP-driven proton pump generating a constant potential EH in series with a time dependent conductance gHocekt. (2) There is a shunting K-conductance gKocek't. (3) In the presence of ATP k' greater than k. (4) This time dependence is due to thickness changes in the bilayer. A model relates these results to those obtained with the intact vesicles.


Calcium dependent ATP losses in intact red blood cells without cellular accumulations of calcium. Intact human red blood cells incubated with ionophore A23187 and calcium develop a depletion of ATP that is dependent upon the concentrations of both A23187 and Ca. Incubations of fresh cells with 0.5 micrometer A23187 and concentrations of Ca at or below 70 micrometer produce a depletion of ATP without a net cellular uptake of Ca. In contrast, ATP-depleted cells display an ionophore-dependent cellular uptake of Ca, under identical conditions. A hypothesis is proposed that relates these ionophore-produced ATP depletions to active Ca extrusion by the Ca ATPase.


The structure of the human cell interphase chromatin in the mosaic form of Down's disease. In an earlier publication we reported that, by using fluorescent microscopy with acridine orange (AO), we detected certain changes in the structure and function of interphase nuclear chromatin of peripheral blood lymphocytes of subjects with Down's disease (Fedorova, Inshakova and Spitkovsky, 1975). By employing the same method with additional thermal action on the cells studied it was shown that some of these changes were conditioned by the effect of the blood serum from a person with Down's syndrome (Fedorova and Spitkovsky, 1976). The purpose of the present work was to investigate the structure of the interphase chromatin of both disomic and trisomic human cells residing in the same serum, that is, in mosaic subjects. Small lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of mosaic mongols were selected for study, complete trisomic mongols and healthy subjects being used as controls.


A histochemical study of the muscles of Drosophila melanogaster. The thoracic muscles of Drosophila melanogaster can be classified into two classes, the fibrillar and the tubular muscles, on morphological grounds. Histochemical techniques were used to characterize these two classes of muscle according to their content of various enzymes (alpha-glycerophosphate, NAD-dependent isocitrate, malate and succinate dehydrogenases, fumarase, acid phosphatase, adenosine triphosphatase and acetylcholinesterase) and of glycogen. These investigations showed that the two muslces types are histochemically very different and, further, that the morphologically similar tubular muscles are heterogeneous with respect to their enzyme content. In particular, the tergal depressor of the trochanter of the second leg, the largest of the tubular muslces, has considerably less of all the enzymes studied, with the exception of acetylcholinesterase, than all the other tubular muscles examined. The histochemical techniqes were also used to follow the changes in enzyme levels that occur during development of the indirect flight muscle fibres. All the enzymes that are present in adult flight muslces showed an increase in staining intensity throughout muscle development. Some minor differences were observed in the time of appearance and rate of increase of intensity of the different enzymes.


Effect of tryptophan and nicotinamide loads on urinary excretion of RNA metabolites by bladder cancer patients. In a comparative study of tryptophan metabolism and urinary excretion of nucleic acid derivatives (including beta-aminoisobutyric acid, 7-methylguanine, pseudouridine, and urate) in 12 male bladder cancer patients, the excretion of pseudouridine and 7-methylguanine decreased significantly after an oral dose of 2 g L-tryptophan. A similar decrease occurred after an oral nicotinamide load of 50 mg four times a day, which indicated a possible common mode of action of tryptophan and nicotinamide. No definite resolution could be made as to the causal mechanism for the observed descrase in RNA turnover.


[Effect of schizophyllan on delayed hypersensitivity in the mouse (author's transl)]. The delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity test with picryl chloride was used to demonstrate the effect of sonicated schizophyllan (SPG-S) on cellular immunity in mice. The increase of ear thickness in mice treated with SPG-S (0.5 approximately 10.0 mg/kg) 24 hours before the sensitization with picryl chloride proved to be significantly larger than that in untreated mice on testing with picryl chloride at 7 days following sensitization. Mice were intramuscularly injected with SPG-S (5.0 mg/kg) on -48, -24, 0, +24 or +48 hours of sensitization. Remarkable stimulating effect of SPG-S on the delayed hypersensitivity was recognized in all groups of mice, being somewhat lower in the group treated with SPG-S 48 hours after the sensitization. Stimulating effects of lipopolysaccharide, concanavalin A, pokeweed mitogen and SPG-S on the delayed hypersensitivity were compared. The effect of SPG-S was similar to that of concanavalin A, a nonspecific stimulant for T cells.


[Comparative morphometric study of arteriosclerosis of the aorta and coronary arteries among urban and rural population]. A visual planimetric study of atherosclerosis of the aorta and the coronary arteries was conducted in 1571 residents of the city of Ryazan and in 769 inhabitants of the Ryazan region dying in the age of 10 and 69 years, as well as in 627 normal individuals engaged in physical and intellectual work, living in rural and urban settlements, dying in the age of 40 to 69 years (data from Ryazan, Tallinn, Kharkov). A randomized study has demonstrated that urban population displays more distinct atherosclerotic changes in the examined vessels than the rural population displays more distinct atherosclerotic changes in the examined vessels than the rural population. The differences in the severity of coronary atherosclerosis were significant between the compared groups of normal individuals engaged in intellectual activities, and insignificant between the groups of those engaged in physical labour. The severity of aortic atherosclerosis did not show any statistically significant differences between the groups of normal individuals living in urban and rural areas.


[Modeling of myocardial pathology in mice with the surgical methods]. A description of three operations on the heart in mice is presented: a supravalvular narrowing of the ascending aorta, banding of the apex of the heart, and ligation of the coronaries. These surgical interventions permit to obtain in mice a functional overloading and hypertrophy of the myocardium, a cardiac aneurysm and occlusive myocardial infarction.


[Treatment of traumatic postoperative total hyphaemas (author's transl)]. For more than ten years, we have successfully been using fibrinolysin for the treatment of total traumatic hyphaemas. Recently that enzyme was applied in 2 cases of total hyphaema with secondary glaucoma after cataract extraction and the results were excellent.


Supravalvular aortic stenosis. Repair by extended aortoplasty. Enlargement of the aorta with a diamond-shaped patch of the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva may not be sufficient in severe cases of supravalvular aortic stenosis. This traditional reconstruction is asymmetric, and, if the fibrous supravalvular ring is thick and rigid, the aorta may not open wide with patch angioplasty, so that aortic obstruction may remain. Also, because aortic valve function may not be perfect after asymmetric reconstruction, there may be aortic valve incompetence or obstruction of coronary ostia by the valve cusps. A new reconstructive operation was designed and used in eight patients. All survived and are asymptomatic. The aortoplasty was extended so that the supravalvular ring was incised at two points in the noncoronary and in the right coronary sinuses of Valsalva. The area of stenosis was opened wide, and the cusps of the aortic valve were lengthened, which provided better approximation and function. A tubular Dacron prosthesis, tailored to reconstruct the aorta, provided a wide aortic cross-sectional area. This technique of extended aortoplasty for symmetric reconstruction of the aorta should provide more predictable relief of aortic obstruction and improved function of the aortic valve.


Effects of infusion of cardiotomy suction blood during extracorporeal circulation for coronary artery bypass surgery. The effects of infusion of cardiotomy suction blood during extracorporeal circulation were evaluated in 15 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery without the use of a left ventricular vent. In Group I all cardiotomy suction blood was discarded. In Groups II and III cardiotomy suction blood was reinfused without and with Dacron wool filtration, respectively. Marked hematologic changes were noted in the pericardial samples which also were reflected in oxygenator samples obtained at the end of bypass. Although postoperative bleeding was significantly greater in patients from Group II as compared to Group I, no differences were seen in total intraoperative and postoperative transfusion requirements. No patient required reoperation for bleeding. Recirculation of larger volumes of cardiotomy suction blood potentially could contribute to bleeding problems in the immediate postoperative period.


[Implantation of ossicles (A histological study in animals) (author's transl)]. Autogenetic and allogenetic incuses as well as xenogenetic malleus were implanted into the middle-ear of rabbits after different procedures of conservation. The process of healing was studied by histological examination. The different conservation methods are leading to different antigenic qualities of the donor material. A different reorganization along the wurse of the donor vessels is resulting. Accordingly a different extent of osteoneogenesis of the intercellular substance is induced. The vascular tissue showed a revascularization in the case of autogenetic transplantation and in the case of implantation after cialit conservation of 1:5000. Whereas deep-freezing led to swelling, cialit conservation 1:500 to temporary fibrosis of the sides of vessels. Hyalinosis of the vessels was observed after lyophilization and gamma-sterilization of the xenogenetic malleus. The different effects on the healing process are discussed.


[Experiences with incus autografts and preserved incus homografts in ear surgery (author's transl)]. The healing process of free-transplantated incus autografts and preserved homografts in the middle-ear is largely non-irritating. They are suited for sound transmission. Under the osteoinductive influence of the non-vital graft, ingrowing vascular connective tissue of the host differentiates itself in osteoblasts, osteoclasts and chondroblasts. The grafts are revitalised in relation to time. Rarely a marked resorption of preserved incus homografts was noticed in consequence of an antigen-antibody-reaction between the host and the implant which, however, never occurred in autografts.


[Primary intratympanic meningioma (author's transl)]. A primary intratympanic meningioma is reported, which was histologically verified. 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 years after surgical removal, there were no signs of recurrence, neither clinically nor histologically. Sites of origin of the primary intratympanic meningiomas are discussed. Symptoms, diagnostics, differential diagnosis, therapy and prognosis are summarized in relation to nine cases of the literature.


[Bone conduction changes in secretory otitis media (author's transl)]. In serous and secretory otitis media a reduction of bone conduction frequently exists besides the loss of air conduction. In 304 audiograms of ears with serous and viscous fluid in the middle ear there was a depression of the bone conduction between 15 and 40 dB in 40%. This bone conduction loss was reversible after the aeration of the tympanic cavity. That means that we deal with a false nerve deafness in many of these cases.


[Speech discrimination and dynamic compression. A comparative study with hearing aids (author's transl)]. A hearing aid with dynamic compression and the very same one without dynamic compression were used for an examination of 13 patients with recruitment who were hard of hearing with respect to sound perception. The maximum degree of speech discrimination possible to be reached was determined. Although in general the hearing aid with dynamic compression yielded better results, the differences between the two aids were, however, small and showed a high scattering range. Thus, we have to draw the conclusion that the lacking 100% speech discrimination in the case of recruitment-positive disorders with respect to sound perception is not due to distorted sound volume dynamics.


[The clinical use of an early evoked potential in the objective audiometry (author's transl)]. The paper gives a description of the derivation of an early evoked potential with a latent period of 6 to 8 ms in man. This 7-ms-potential is also ascertainable with stimulus intensities near the threshold. Our investigations gave evidence that this is superior to later evoked potentials (ERA) in nonsedated children younger than 10 years. The investigation time is short owing to a rapid succession of stimuli (1000 clicks in 5 ms stimulus interval). It is assumed that the potential can be assigned to colliculus inferior.


[Significance of spectral bands on the correlation abilities processing dichotic signals (author's transl)]. Hearing may be attributed with correlation abilities processing binaural signals. Significance of central correlation for dichotic hearing was investigated using interaural delayed pulse trains of noise with varying frequency spectra. To verify dependence of mode and degree of hearing disability on central correlation normal hearing persons as well as patients with cochlear and retrocochlear hearing losses were examined.


[Treatment of acute idiopathic vestibular paresis (author's transl)]. In 31 patients with sudden isolated unilateral idiopathic lesion of the vestibular function the effect of therapeutic application of low molecular weight dextran and cortison was examined. 15 out of 31 patients received no drugs, 16 patients were treated with dextran-infusion and cortison for 10 days. Without drug application the vestibular function was restored in only 4 out of 15 patients after about 9 months, but after the therapeutic application of low molecular weight dextran and cortison a normal reaction of the vestibular system was seen in 11 out of 16 patients.


[Temporary vestibular loss following local anaesthesia of the ear (author's transl)]. There are described 3 cases of temporary vestibular irritation without hearing loss, following local anesthesia of the ear. The symptoms, nausea and vertigo, are beginning 30 to 60 min. after injection and are ending without any consequence 12 hours later.


[ENG in young children--a contribution on examination problems. IInd part: rotation test (author's transl)]. This study reports the electronystagmographic results of 60 young children (3-6 years old) without any history of ear disease. Distribution into the groups "without sedation" and "with sedation" was done following a statistical key. The revolving chair was stopped after rotation at an angular velocity of 108 degrees/sec. Sedation was achieved by intramuscular injection of Valium. The statistical analysis of the various parameters is restricted to the postrotatory nystagmus I. Neither during the whole duration of the postrotatory nystagmus I nor during the cumulatory phase any significant difference in the total amplitude or number of beats could be observed. The only statistically significant difference was found in the maximal angular velocity; the reduction was 15+/-9% compared to the non sedated group. These results indicate that Valium can be used for sedation in nystagmographic examination.


[The application of the digital computer in vestibulometry (author's transl)]. All the interesting parameters of nystagmus-reactions during routine vestibular examination are calculated by a digital computer. The new parameters are plotted in a numerical and graphical way. This histogram figure their temporal distribution comparing reactions of both sides and give information about quantitative and qualitative criterions of the ENG. By correlation of parameters with  each other and with further clinical findings their diagnostical value is investigated.


[Isolated rupture of the pharynx].

[Isolated rupture of the pharynx]. A case of isolated nonpenetrating traumatic rupture of the pharynx is reported. The possible explanations of origin and treatment are discussed and compared with similar cases reported in literature.


Actinomycosis involving urachal remnants. A case of actinomycosis of lower abdominal wall and bladder apex related to and involving urachal remnants is reported. The elderly patient presented with the not uncommon problem of a lower abdominal mass and vague sympatomatology but, in this case, of rare aetiology.


Environmental dermatitis: contact dermatitis from Pinus radiata. Various forms of contact dermatitis from Pinus radiata sawdust are described and illustrated by three cases. The sawdust causes industrial dermatitis which can be chronic and the purpose of the paper is to alert Australian practitioners.


[Species composition of heterotrophic bacteria in the water of the Rybinek reservoir]. Twenty four cultures of heterotrophic bacteria were isolated from the water of the Rybinsk Reservoir on a medium containing organic matter. Bacteria belonging to the families Pseudomonadaceae and Achromobacteriaceae were most widely distributed; bacteria of the Mycobacteriaceae family were encountered less often. Predominating species which belonged to the genera Pseudomonas, Caulobacter, Flavobacterium, Mycobacterium, and Corynebacterium were isolated from the central part of the Reservoir. The special composition depended on the season. Bacteria of the Caulobacter genus were isolated mainly by the end of July and in May. Bacteria of the Corynebacterium genus predominated in March. Microflora belonging to the genera Pseudomonas and Flavobacterium was more constant. Bacteria isolated on media with the minimum content of organic matter (0.5 mg C per litre) belonged mainly to the Pseudomonas genus. Morphological, cultural, and physiological properties of the bacteria were studied. The bacteria grew on media containing carbohydrates and alcohols as a source of carbon though organic acids were assimilated to a less extent. The activity of catalase was found in the cultures, with an exception of the genera Caulobacter and Achromobacter.


The effect of translation and transcription inhibitors on the synthesis of periplasmic phosphatases in E. coli. Previous studies by others have indicated that the synthesis of secreted enzymes is unusually sensitive to many translation inhibitors and resistant, for about 30 min, to rifampicin. We have studied the sensitivity of secreted (periplasmic) phosphatases to such inhibitors. Alkaline phosphatase synthesis is more sensitive than total protein synthesis to tetracyclin and spectinomycin, but not to sparsomycin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol, kasugamycin, blasticidin S or thiostrepton; it is slightly more resistant than total protein synthesis to the latter two antibiotics. Acid hexose-phosphatase was also preferentially sensitive to tetracyclin and spectinomycin and also to kasugamycin. beta-galactosidase was also included in the study, as an intracellular enzyme, and was found to be preferentially inhibited ("repressed"), sometimes transiently, by all eight translation inhibitors. This effect did not seem to be mediated through cyclic AMP or guanosine tetraphosphate; the "repression" was still evident in mutants with altered rho factor indicating that it may also not be related to artificial polarity. Synthesis of both periplasmic phosphatases was immediately inhibited by rifampicin. These results differ from those found in previous studies with other organisms and suggest a reappraisal of the usual interpretation of these phenomena.


Kinetic properties of soluble adenosine triphosphatase of Escherichia coli. Bound and solubilized ATPase from Escherichia coli show similar kinetic properties. The saturation curves for MgATP are hyperbolic with both preparations. The straight lines in the Line-weaver-Burk plot indicate that MgATP is the true substrate, that one molecule MgATP is bound per enzyme molecule, and that there is no cooperativity. Presence of EDTA leads to sigmoidal saturation curves. This effect could be reversed by adding MgCl2 stoichiometrically to EDTA. Different results in other publications, especially in that of CARREIRA and MUNOZ1 can be explained as being primarily the consequence of complexing agent contaminations in the assay.


Researches on the formation of axial organs in the chick embryo. IX. On the development of somites in axial-paraaxial segments explanted to the zona pellucida. Axial-paraaxial segments (neural tube, chorda, unilateral meso- and endoderm) excized from explanted 36--40-hour-incubated chick embryos at the level of unsegmented mesoderm, after removal of the ectoderm, were grafted onto subectodermal pockets of the zona pellucida. Under these conditions somites develop and differentiate normally. Paraaxial segments (unilateral meso- and endoderm) grafted under the same conditions show (retarded) somitogenesis only in 15% of the cases. Pure paraaxial unsegmented mesoderm grafted under the same conditions develops somites in 14% of the cases. Since in situ, the removal of the axial organs and of the endo- and ectoderm does not inhibit somitogenesis, the above-mentioned results prove that under conditions of grafting, some additionary "factors of realization" necessary for normal somitogenesis are lacking.


Contributions to the transfer of preimplantation molse embryos into "foster-mothers". A new method for the transfer of preimplantation stages in mice has been developed by using as recipient the "pregnant empty uterus" obtained by ligature at the utero-oviductal junction. Results obtained with several combinations between Wh, CBAT6T6, C57Bl6 strains varied according to transfer media and strain combination, the best percentage of taking being under the level of those reported by other authors. By using transfer within the RAP strain, taking (controlled at 14 days of pregnancy) was similar to the best results generally obtained by the surgical transfer method. The advantages offered by the transfer method are briefly discussed.


Alkaline phosphatase positive lymphocytes (APPL) in man. APPL are located in human lymph nodes in almost the same sites as in the laboratory rodents studied up to date. This means that their echotaxis is almost identical and may be an old phylogenetic heritage. But APPL may be found in man until puberty only; thereafter they disappear from all the lymphatic organs. At the age of 40 their depletion is perfected. This evolution of APPL is parallelized by thymus involution. Therefore we may strengthen the conclusion that APPL belong to the T-dependent lymphocytes and that all lymphocytes which really have visited the thymus acquire the enzymatic marker.


Histoenzymology of the lung. Some enzymic activities of capillary endothelia of the rabbit alveolar walls. Mg-dependent ATP-ase, alkaline phosphatase and carbonic anhydrase activities were tested at the level of capillary endothelia of alveolar walls in normal rabbits. A constant and relatively intense activity within these endothelia appeared to be that of the Mg-dependent ATP-ase. The carbonic anhydrase activity marked some endothelia, and the alkaline phosphatase was unequally demonstrable at this level. These different histoenzymic aspects might reflect the unequal activity during time and space of these enzymes at the level of capillary endothelia of alveolar walls.


Histoenzymological study on desquamative cervico-vaginal cells. Dihydrofolate dehydrogenase activity was histochemically investigated comparatively to the activities of 6-phosphogluconate, glucose-6-phosphate, malate and lactate dehydrogenases, NADH-2-tetrazolium dehydrogenase, esterases, beta-glucuronidase and leucyl aminopeptidase in smears of desquamative cervico-vaginal cells of negative and positive Papanicolaou classes. Dihydrofolate dehydrogenase was found active in a greater percentage of cells and stronger in individual cells of cervical carcinoma than in normal, inflammatory or dysplastic cervix uteri. The other enzymes activities were less specifically increased in dyskaryotic cells.


Scanning electron microscopy of euthyroid goiter and Graves's disease. The scanning electron microscopy of 5 euthyroid polynodular goiters and 5 cases of Grave's disease was studied. In the polynodular goiter most of the follicular cells were flattened. Small, coarse, irregular microvilli were noticed. In the Grave's disease cases the follicular cells were columnar, covered with long microvilli. Marked epithelial infoldings were found. Thick bundles of collagen surrounded the follicles, especially in the polynodular goiter.


[Mitral valve replacement in large hearts (author's transl)]. Of 61 patients with mitral valve defects operated on, 9 had a heart with an external volume of more than 1700 ml. Five of these patients died, four are still alive today. Three patients from the group with an external heart volume between 1247 ml and 1700 ml died, and in the group of patients with an external heart volume of less than 1247 ml no patient has died as yet. Under certain circumstances, the preoperative size of the heart can be a measure with which the limits of surgical mitral valve replacement can be defined.


[Muscle biopsy (author's transl)].

[Muscle biopsy (author's transl)]. Modern morphological diagnostic methods for neuromuscular diseases are based on enzyme histological and electron microscopic techniques. By enzyme histochemical differentiation of fiber types, early morphological changes such as Type I atrophy in myotonic dystrophy, or particular disease forms like Type II atrophy or congenital fiber type disproportion and other congenital myopathies associated with a Type I atrophy may be detected. The ultrastructural characteristics and the fine structure of autofluorescent lipopigments rich in phosphatases in the skeletal muscle fiber permit appropriate diagnosis of the individual types of congenital myopathy or neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.


[Comparison of endoscopic biopsy and scintiscans in liver diseases (author's transl)]. The diagnostic possibilities of liver scintiscans with indium-113m acetylacetonate were investigated in 314 patients. The results obtained were compared with our own endoscopic biopsy investigations. The scintiscans give information on the stage of the disease, but in contradistinction to the laparoscopic biopsies, not on etiology or activity of the disease. In contrast to the endoscopic biopsies, scintigraphy carries no risk. The advantage of the indium-113m acetylacetonate we used lies in the low radiation exposure.


The action of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea on non-established human cell lines in vitro. I. Cell cycle inhibition and aberration induction in diploid and Down's fibroblasts. The effect of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) on the cell cycle, DNA synthesis and chromosomal sensitivity of cultivated diploid fibroblasts and fibroblasts with trisomy 21 was investigated in vitro. With the exception of the inhibition of G2, Down's cells proved to be more sensitive than diploid cells with respect to the decrease of the mitotic and labelling index, the inhibition of the progression of cells through the early and middle S and the frequency of induced chromosomal aberrations. The chromosomal sensitivity was dependent on the position of cells in the cell cycle during treatment with MNU. If treated during late S no differences concerning the S block and aberration frequencies were found between diploid and Down's cells. However, if MNU treatment took place in the middle and early S, Down's cells were more sensitive. The higher aberration frequencies in Down's cells resulted from elevated levels of chromatid breaks, multiple fragmentations and chromatid translocations. Possible reasons for the increased sensitivity of Down's cells are discussed.


The action of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea on non-established human cell lines in vitro. II. Non-random distribution of chromatid aberrations in diploid and Down's cells. Chromatid gaps, breaks and aberrations involved in interchanges induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) were found non-randomly distributed on individual chromosomes and chromosome segments (G bands) both in human diploid fibroblasts with trisomy 21 cultured in vitro. Aberration events were located exclusively in pale G bands. Considering cells in the first post-treatment mitosis, the pattern of aberration distribution, as revealed by the position of hot spots, varied with recovery time and was different in diploid and Down's cells. In comparison with diploid cells, the X chromosomes of Down's cells were not involved in aberrations. Despite the higher aberration frequencies of Down's cells, the number of hot spots and the proportion of aberrations located in hot spots were not increased in this cell type. Therefore, the increased chromosomal sensitivity to MNU of Down's cells does not reflect an increased sensitivity of special chromosomes or chromosome sites.


Quantitative histochemical studies of the hypothalamus. Control point enzymes during the estrous cycle. Three control point enzymes of the Embden-Meyerhof pathway, hexokinase (HK), phosphofructokinase (PFK) and pyruvate kinase (PK), have been measured in individual hypothalamic nuclei during the 5-day estrous cycle of adult rats by quantitative histochemical methods. PK levels, low during proestrus, rise to maximum activity during estrus; this rise is significantly greater than on all other days of the cycle in the lateral preoptic area (LP), ventromedial pars medialis (VMM) and pars lateralis (VML) and posterior hypothalamic (Post) nuclei. HK activity also rises from low proestrous levels during the cycle but, in contrast to PK, reaches maximum activity during diestrus-1 (D-1) or diestrus-2 (D-2). PFK showed variable changes during the estrous cycle with peaks occurring during estrus in some nuclei and during diestrus in others, but these changes were not significantly different. These metabolic changes occur in specific hypothalamic nuclei which have been shown by electrical stimulation, lesion production, stereotaxic hormone implantation and localization of luteinizing hormone-releasing factor experiments to have an important role in reproductive physiology and sexual behavior.


Detection of presymptomatic carriers of Huntington's chorea. Laterality of thumb opposition and handedness were determined in three groups of subjects: patients with Huntington's chorea (n = 18), asymptomatic offspring of patients (n = 40), and asymptomatic siblings of patients over 50 years of age termed 'escapees' (n = 17). 100% of patients and 55% of young at-risk offspring had crossed laterality of thumb opposition and handedness. Only 2 (11.8%) of the 'escapees' had crossed laterality. Crossed laterality may be associated with symptomatic presymptomatic Huntington's chorea.


Choline therapy in Huntington chorea.

Choline therapy in Huntington chorea. Choline chloride was administered orally (3 to 15 gm per day) to five patients with Huntington chorea. A long-lasting dose-dependent elevation of the concentration of free choline in plasma was obtained and the highest plasma concentrations (25 to 30 mumol per liter) were of the same magnitude as those that increase brain acetylcholine content in the rat. However, the choline treatment did not conclusively alter the involuntary movements of these patients.


Uteroplacental blood flow and estrogen production following dehydroisoandrosterone infusion. The effects of systemic infusions of dehydroisoandrosterone on uterine blood flow and the plasma concentration of estrogen in ovine pregnancy were studied in 7 pregnant ewes 52 to 128 days of gestation. Uterine blood flow increased 17.8% after a systemic infusion of dehydroisoandrosterone of 4.67 mg +/- 0.3. Maximum blood flows occurred 111 min +/- 5.8 after injection of dehydroisoandrosterone. The increase in flow (milliliter/minute) was greatest after 100 days of gestation. Plasma estrone concentrations increased from 67.9 pg/ml to 201 pg/ml, while estradiol rose from 42.6 pg/ml to 115 pg/ml (P less than 0.001). Estriol was not detected.


Laparoscopic sterilization with silicone rubber bands. Laparoscopic sterilization with silicone rubber bands was performed on 202 healthy females in an attempt to assess the simplicity, safety, and effectiveness of the technique. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia and analgesia in 156 subjects while in 46 it was done under general anesthesia. One hundred and eighty-two were interval operations while 18 were combined with first trimester abortions. Avulsion of the uterine tube leading to bleeding occurred in three instances and this was the only complication of some concern in this series. No laparotomy was required to treat any immediate complications. Two pregnancies had occurred by July 1976. Both were found to be luteal phase pregnancies. This technique appears to be relatively simple and safe. Complications are few in experienced hands and are avoidable by careful selection proper technique.


Postabortal laparoscopic tubal sterilization. Results in comparison to interval procedures. This report documents our experiences in 3 groups of women undergoing laparoscopic tubal sterilization: those undergoing sterilization as an interval procedure, those performed in association with suction curettage, and those performed within 18 hours of second trimester pregnancy termination via intraaminiotic injection of prostaglandin F 2 alpha. As a postabortal sterilization procedure, laparoscopy is effective, logistically appealing, and convenient. There is, however, an increased risk of complications to the procedure when performed on the postabortal women. These include specifically, a 10-fold increased risk of infection and a 2.5-fold increased risk of bleeding complications as seen in our series. The results of these findings are discussed, and some suggestions for reducing these risks are offered.


Intraocular lens fixation with Dacron mesh: Part II. We studied the feasibility of fixation of an intraocular lens in the posterior chamber by utilizing Dacron mesh to stimulate cellular ingrowth from the posterior iris surface. Tissue ingrowth into the Dacron mesh occurred five days after Dacron implantation and a firm adhesion between Dacron and the iris developed in a consistent and localized manner. Dacron fibers, when placed in contact with the posterior iris surface, induce fibroblastic and pigmented epithelial tissue ingrowth around the fibers. Fixation of the lens with and without the posterior lens capsule and vitreous is compared in vitrectomized and nonvitrectomized eyes. It is possible to achieve fixation without support from the posterior lens capsule and vitreous.


Tendon implants: primary and secondary usage. The staged tendon grafting technique has definite advantages in reconstructive hand surgery. The benefits are realized in the more severely injured flexor tendon systems (Boyes' grades 2 to 4). The results obtained in these cases compare favorably with those achieved by primary tendon grafting in less severe grade 1 cases. This is made possible for the following two reasons: First, the inert nature of the implant allows numerous auxiliary procedures to be done at stage I, such as digital neurography, osteotomy, capsulotomy, scar resection, and pulley reconstruction. This can be done without fear of profuse formation of adhesions. Second, the passive gliding of the implant forms a pseudosynovial sheath, which provides a nutritive and physiologic bed for the autograft tendon at stage II. The operative technique has been presented and the postoperative care has been outlined. It cannot be overstressed that a good working relationship between the surgeon, hand therapist, and patient is of paramount importance to the success of the final result. Work on a prototype active gliding tendon prosthesis is described with details of the concepts and biomaterials involved in its development.


[Physiological age of the fleas and the analysis of age structure of natural population of Xenopsylla gerbilli Wagn]. A new six-graded scale is suggested instead of five-graded one proposed earlier (Kunitskaya, 1960). Analysis of the reproduction and age composition of the natural population of X. gerbilli with a use of the suggested scale enabled the authors to find out regularities in the reproduction, senescence and change of generations of these insects in South Pribalkhashke. It was established that one complete, one incomplete and possibly third partial generation develop in this region for a year.


[Method of determination of population density of the Aedes (Culicidae)]. For 6 years 16 species of the genus Aedes were recorded from the territory of Leningrad. To judge by the per cent ratio between mosquitoes and their larvae, such species as A. caspius dorsalic and A. flavescens such blood of man unwillingly and A. cantans and A. cinereus attack man in general. The abundance of Aedes population within the territory of Leningrad was estimated on the number of pupae per 1 m2 in various types of water bodies for the whole reproduction season by means of multiplication of the number of papae per 1 m2 by the whole area where aquatic stages of mosquitoes were observed.


[New species of black flies, Metacnephia pamiriensis Sp. N. (Simulidae), from Pamir]. Metacnephia pamiriensis Petrova, sp, n, in its genitalia is similar with M. pallipes. It differs in the number (16 rather than 30-60) and branching (arranged in three bundles) of respiratory threads and a peculiar structure of pupal cocoon. Diploid number of chromosomes is 6 (n = 3). Chromosomes are submetacentrical. The peculiarities of polytenic chromosomes are described and results of karyological comparison with M. pallipes given.


[New genus and 2 new species of chiggers (Acariformes, Trombiculidae) from lizards]. The genus Lacertacarus g. n. is close to Neotrombicula differing from the latter in lanceolate dorsal setae, wide shield and other characters. Lacertacarus includes two new species, L. similis sp. n. and L latus sp. n., and Trombicula callosa Schluger, 1966 described earlier. Descriptions and key to species of the genus are given. Larvae were collected from lizards in the Krasnodar territory, Georgia.


[New species of Microsporidia - Thelohania assovi Sp. N. (Microsporidia, Nosematidae) from the larvae of black flies]. A new species of microsporidians, Thelohania assovi sp. n., was found in population of larvae of Odagmia sp. inhabiting mountain rivers of Tien-Shan and south-eastern Kazakhstan. The infection of larvae with this species varies from single individuals to 18-20% while pupae are infected only with single speciments. The species differes from all known members of this genus in a number of characters. Size of 50 measured spores varied from 4.4-7.0 X 2.5-3.8 in live specimens to 3.8-6.4 X 2.3-3.8 mem in fixed ones. The parasite causes patho--morphological changes in injured tissues.


[Ecological characteristics of the helminth fauna of the hawks from the Volga-Don interfluvial area]. 206 birds of 11 species were examined. The variational and statistical analysis has shown the dependence of the humidity of biotopes, on the "specific weight" of animals--invaders in the food of birds and on the accumulation of some helminths in birds, difinitive hosts, as compared to invaders.


Obstruction of the airways by the heart and pulmonary vessels in infants. It is well known that certain cardiovascular abnormalities, frequently compress the airways in infants [1]. Two additional cardiac mechanisms of airway obstruction are described in this paper: progressive compression of the bronchial tree by left sided cardiac enlargement and infantile cardiac asthma due to compression of the small airways by pulmonary venous congestion. Functional and reversible collapse of the trachea is a frequent finding in cardiac asthma. Infants with these entities often appear to have primary pulmonary disease when in fact the underlying cause of their distress is cardiac in origin.


[Karyotypes of phytoparasitic nematodes of the genus Anguina Scopoli, 1799]. Studies were carried out of karyotypes of Anguina sp. parasitic on four species of wild cereals and two species of sedge. The number of chromosomes in fissing genital cells was found to be n=9 for A. graminophila and n=18 for A. agrostis. Anguina sp. injuring sedge have the haploid number of chromosomes n=18.


Reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract with a conduit in congenital heart disease. A series of five patients with complex cyanotic congenital cardiac malformations underwent surgical reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract using a Dacron conduit with a porcine aortic valve. All patients survived and all have shown clinical improvement. At cardiac catheterization postoperatively, a pressure gradient of between 20 and 50 mm Hg across the conduit was found in all patients. This surgical approach to patients necessitating reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract is effective and appears to have the best long-term results.


[Seasonal dynamics of the Monogenoidea of Schizotorax intermedius from the Kafirnigan river (Tadzhikistan)]. 11 species of monogeneans were found on Schizotorax intermedius from the Kafirnigan river during investigations conducted in 1972. Their seasonal dynamics has a typical biopical curve of the parasites number.


[Proboscis worm, Echinorhynchus gadi (Zoega) from a relict cod of Lake Mogil'noye]. Data on the extensiveness and intensity of infection of Kildin island cod with Echinorhynchus gadi in various seasons are given. E. gadi was proved to have a one-year life cycle and Gammarus duebeni as an intermediate host in the lake. A change of the parasite generations occurs in late summer--autumn. A high extensiveness (100%) and intensity of Kildin cod infection with E. gadi depends on the feeding habits (monophagy) and narrow distribution range of the host. Infection intensity is directly correlated with the fish age. Selfregulation of the parasite quantity in the host's intenstine is an important factor affecting the existence of E. gadi population in Lake Mogilnoye.


Influence of bile acids on the (Na+-K+)-activated- and Mg2+-activated ATPase of rat colon. The influence of various bile acids on the (Na+-K+)-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase activity of rat colon is described. At a concentration of 0.6 mmol/l C and TC did not inhibit the (Na+-K+)-ATPase activity in contrast to GC. The taurine derivates TC, TCDC and TDC did not influence or even enhanced the (Na+-K+)-ATPase activity. All bile acids except C, TC and CDC depressed the Mg2+-ATPase activity. At higher concentrations only C and TC did not influence the (Na+-K+)-ATPase activity. C, GC and TC at 2.5 mmol/l decreased the (Na+-K+)-activated phosphatase with ATP as substrate. All other substrates tested did not influence the enzymic activity significantly. The results indicate that bile acids can inhibit the Na+-absorbing system in rat colon. Hence this inhibition can cause diarrhea.


Visualization of capillaries in skeletal muscle by the ATPase reaction. A simple and reliable technique for the visualization of capillaries in skeletal muscel of dogs, guinea pigs and rats is decribed. 10--20 micrometer frozen sections were incubated in a medium containing Ca2+ and ATP following acid preincubation (pH 3.8--4.2). The capillaries stained in black and were readily seen surrounding the muscle fibers. Serial sections were also treated for alkaline phosphatase. Values for capillary density using both methods were not different.


Effects of increased cardiac mechanical performances on flow rates of cardiac lymph in dogs. Relationship between flow rates of cardiac lymph (LF), and coronary blood flow (CF), coronary perfusion pressure (PP), left ventricular peak systolic pressure (LVSP) and heart rate (HR) was studied in open-chest dogs. Intra-coronary administration of catecholamines (CA) and electrical stimulation of the cardiac sympathetic nerve (ES) increased LF transiently with a concomitant rise in the cardiac mechanical performance, while dipyridamole induced no change in LF in spite of a marked increase in CF. Isoproterenol at does of 0.3 and 3x10(8) g/kg induced an increasein LF to 119 +/- 4 and 167 +/- 20% (mean +/- SE); norepinephrine, 0.3 and 3 X 10(7) g/kg, to 118 +/- r and 141 +/- 13%; ES AT 5 and 20 Hz, to 135 +/- 11 and 167 +/- 10%, respectively. Peak responses of LF correlated with changes in LVSP (R = 0.59, N l1,P less than 0.001), CF Tr = 0.53, n = 51, P less than 0.001), PP (r = 0.49, n = 51, P less than 0.001) but not with changes in HR (r = 0.27, n = 51, 0.05 less than P less than 0.10). Cardiac pacing also showed a poor correlation between the changes in LF and HR under the same LVSP within the changes in HR up to 134% of control value (r = -0.12, n = 17, P GREATER THAN 0.50). It is concluded that LF is independent of changes in HR, and increased LF after CA or ES may be caused mainly by an augmented propulsive force.


The aerobic metabolism of porcine carotid artery and its relationship to isometric force. Energy cost of isometric contraction. 1. The O2 consumption and aerobic lactate production of porcine carotid artery have been studied in relation to active isometric tension maintenance in order to estimate the tension cost, i.e., ATP hydrolysis rate per unit force maintained. 2. The relationship between total metabolism and isometric force was measured at several muscle lengths in order to distinguish tension-dependent and  -independent components of ATP utilization. 3. At the maximum isometric tension observed, 2 kg wt/wt/cm2, 1.3 mumole ATP/M in per gram wet weight out of a total metabolism of 2 mumole/min is tension de pardent. 4. The absolute levels of force, O2 consumption, lactate production and the ratio of oxidative to glycolytic metabolism varied considerably with the stimulant; however, the tension-dependent ATP utilization was invariant with respect to the mode of stimulation.


[Abnormal cation transport in erythrocyte membranes during congenital hemolytic anemia (author's transl)]. In this paper we review our knowledge on: 1. The physiological mechanisms of constant low Na+, high K+ concentration in human red blood cells (cation content, cation movements through the erythrocyte membrane, membrane ATPases). 2. The pathologic findings observed in congenital hemolytic anemia. These alterations may explain hyperhemolysis in numerous diseases. In no case a primary genetically transmitted abnormal erythrocyte membrane protein can be formely demonstrated.


Clues to neonatal genitourinary problems. Most neonatal genitourinary problems are due to congenital anomalies. The first clues to urinary dysfunction are the quantity and quality of the urinary stream, and this should be scrutinized in every newborn. Common signs of dysfunction include anuria, hematuria, and masses. Anuria may be caused by obstruction, a vascular disorder, or renal agenesis or dysplasia. In the male, obstruction is commonly caused by posterior urethral valves. A mass may be a bladder distended by obstruction, a persistent urachus, a hydronephrotic or dysplastic kidney, or scrotal enlargement due to spermatic cord torsion.


[Non-ionogenic detergents with antibacterial activity and their effect on bacterial membrane systems]. Certain new nonionogenic detergents which are hydroxy-polyethoxy-derivatives of dodecane show in vitro bacteriostatic action as related to gram-positive microorganisms. In this respect they are not inferior to chloride cetylpyridinium or sodium dodecyl sulphate. They are similar to chloride cetylpyridinium in their ability to disrupt the osmotic barrier of protoplasts and to inhibit NAD-H-oxidase of membrane fractions of Micrococcus lysodeikticus. Unlike chloride cetylpyridinium and sodium dodecyl sulphate, nonionogenic detergents do not inhibit membrane-bound ATPase of these bacteria.


Escherichia coli 5S RNA binding proteins L18 and L25 interact with 5.8S RNA but not with 5S RNA from yeast ribosomes. Reconstitution experiments showed that the two Escherichia coli 5S RNA binding proteins L18 and L25 form a specific complex with yeast 5.8S RNA and not with yeast 5S RNA. The yeast 5.8S RNA-E. coli protein complex was found to exhibit ATPase and GTPase activities that had previously been observed for the E. coli 5S RNA-protein complex. The tetranucleotide UpUpCpG, which is an analog of the tRNA fragment TpsipCpG, interacted strongly with 5S RNA-protein complexes from E. coli and Bacillus stearothermophilus and weakly with yeast 5.8S RNA. UpUpCpG did not bind to E. coli, B. stearothermophilus, or yeast 5S RNA or to the yeast 5.8S RNA-E. coli protein complex. It is suggested that 5.8S RNA evolved from prokaryotic 5S RNA and that the latter two RNAs are related and have similar functions in protein synthesis.


Sugar uptake into brush border vesicles from normal human kidney. Uptake studies of simple sugars were performed on a membrane fractions containing osmotically active vesicles prepared from normal human kidney cortex. The uptake of D-glucose was found to be sodium-dependent and phlorizin-sensitive. The specificity of the D-glucose transport mechanism is such that it is shared by alpha-methyl-D-glucoside, D-galactose, and 5-thio-D-glucose, while 2-deoxy-D-glucose, 3-O-methyl-D-glucose, D-mannose, and D-fructose show little, if any, affinity. Measurement of the sodium-dependent component of the initial D-glucose uptake as a function of glucose concentration resulted in a curvilinear Scatchard plot, indicating the possibility of cooperative effects, or alternatively, the existence of two (or more) sodium-dependent D-glucose transporters. In the case of two transporters, we estimate that Km congruent to 0.3 mM and Vmax congruent to 2.5 nmol/min per mg of protein for the "high-affinity transporter," and Km approximately 6 mM and Vmax approximately 8 nmol/min per mg of protein for the "low-affinity transporter." These specificity and kinetic properties strongly suggest that the sodium-dependent D-glucose transport mechanism characterized in our studies is localized to the brush border of the proximal tubule.


Behavioral sensitivity to LSD: dependency upon the pattern of central 5HT depletion. Two experiments were carried out using a fixed ratio (FR) schedule of water reinforcement to determine the efficacy of two serotonin (5HT) depleting agents (p-chloroamphetamine, 5, 7-dihydroxytryptamine) in altering sensitivity to a low dose of LSD (0.02 MG/KG). The results showed that while both p-chloroamphetamine (PCA) and 5, 7 dihydroxytryptamine (5, 7 DHT) were efficacious in reducing whole brain 5HT, only 5, 7 DHT altered LSD sensitivity such that a 0.02 mg/kg dose of LSD given 12 days after 5, 7 DHT administration disrupted bar press behavior. This was not observed in animals given PCA within similar parameters. Moreover, 4 animals given PCA that did not show increased sensitivity to LSD, did show behavioral disruption to LSD (0.02 mg/kg when they were pretreated with p-chlorophenylalanine, Results are discussed on terms of a possible particular pattern of 5HT depletion that must be achieved before sensitivity to LSD is observed.


Influence of floor surface on the energy cost of wheelchair propulsion. Carpeting of the type commonly used in hospitals imposed a burden upon normal and patient wheelchair users propelling a wheelchair as reflected in increased energy cost per unit of distance traveled. Wheelchair propulsion also tended to produce high heart rates compared to values reported for normal walking. Pneumatic tires offered no advantage over hard rubber tires on the type of carpet used in this study. Wheelchair propulsion required more energy expenditure per minute than values reported for normal ambulation at the same velocity.


Clinical definition of independent myocutaneous vascular territories. The use of myocutandous flaps can increase the possibilities for construction in many cases by bringing in new blood supply to avascular areas by furnishing additional bulk for filling defects or covering bone grafts or other deep repairs, and sometimes by making longer flaps viable. Also, the need for delay procedures is decreased and sometimes avoided. In this paper we define the vascular territories of 13 clinical myocutaneous flaps, and we describe possible uses of them. Three illustrative clinical cases are presented, in which repairs were done with these flaps. The future uses of these flaps challenge the imagination. Knowledge about them may significantly alter the traditional approaches to flap designs and repairs.


Morphine and ethanol as discriminative stimuli: absence of antagonism by p-chlorophenylalanine methyl ester, cinanserin, or BC-105. It is well established that the effects of morphine and ethanol can function as discriminative stimuli in the rat. The present investigation sought to determine whether discriminated responding mediated by morphine and ethanol is affected by (a) p-chlorophenylalanine methyl ester (p-CPA) an inhibitor of the synthesis of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and (b) antagonists of 5-HT. The blocking agents employed were cinanserin, in ethanol-trained subjects, and BC-105, in morphine-trained subjects. No evidence of antagonism was obtained with either BC-105 or cinanserin. Results with p-CPA were somewhat variable but no consistent or statistically significant reduction in the efficacy of morphine or ethanol as discriminative stimuli was observed. The present results with p-CPA are at variance with earlier work by Schechter (1973) and by Rosecrans et al. (1973) who observed antagonism of the stimulus effects of ethanol and morphine, respectively, following depletion of 5-HT with p-chlorophenylalanine.


[Normal gait and its changes after total arthroplasty of the lower extremity. Study on 200 subjects of the support phase of the step and its impulse]. The authors have studied the normal gait of 50 individuals using a dynamometric platform. Measurements have been made of the impulse at each step, the weight bearing phase and the forces transmitted by the foot to the floor. The results have been compared with those obtained from a study of the gait of 150 patients treated by total prostheses (133 hips, 10 knees, 7 ankles). This type of study leads to a better appreciation of operative results.


[The Dwyer operation in the surgical treatment of scoliosis]. The authors have used Dwyer's procedure in 50 patients with a maximum follow-up of 4 years. The average correction was 76 per cent--that is the average curve was 73 degrees before operation and 16 degrees after operation. The upper compensatory curve was also corrected from an average of 45 degrees to an average of 28 degreees. Associated kyphosis was corrected by 75 per cent in association with correction of rotation. In the follow-up, a loss of 7 degrees of correction in the main curve was noted. It was related to rupture of the cable (5 cases), to a high rate of non-union (50 per cent) and to too short a length of fixation. When curves were correctly fixed, loss of correction was only of 2 to 3 degrees. The main advantage of the Dwyer procedure is to allow limited fusion with horizontal levelling of unfused intervertebral spaces.


[Surgical treatment of recent severe sprains of the knee. Does the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee merit suturing?]. The authors have reviewed 62 cases of acute ligamentous injury of the knee, all surgically treated. They emphasize the importance of good co-ordination of muscles and ligaments in the function of the knee. The menisci should be preserved wherever possible. Direct suture of the anterior cruciate ligament gives poor results (20 per cent successful). They recommend immediate transplantation of a hamstring (semi-tendinosus) tendon by the Lindeman's technique. They conclude that the anterior cruciate ligament should not be sutured. In three cases it was resected with good results.


[The dwyer operation in the treatment of paralytic scoliosis with oblique pelvis]. Pelvic obliquity due to spinal deformity is a well defined syndrome. Its natural history is related to the evolution of the scoliosis. The authors describe two types of pelvic obliquity--total pelvic obliquity in which the sacrum is the lowest vertebra of the lumbar curve and subtotal pelvic obliquity in which there is some compensation between L5 and the sacrum. Seventeen patients were operated on. The Dwyer's procedure was found to be satisfactory in total pelvic obliquities from the point of view of correction and stabilization. In subtotal pelvic obliquity, an additional lumbosacral fusion by a posterior approach was found to be necessary.


[Chronic disseminated histiocytosis in the adult. Apropos of a case with a 12-year remission]. The authors report a rare case of diffuse histiocytosis X in an adult aged 47 followed up for 12 years. There was extensive skeletal and oral dissemination but without visceral, cutaneous or neurological involvement. Blood investigations showed only a raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The literature of histiocytosis is reviewed; few papers could be found concerning this type of disease in adults.


[Reconstruction prosthesis after upper epiphyseal and diaphyseal resection of the femur for tumor. Results of 16 cases and a biomechanical study]. The authors have treated 16 cases of tumours of the upper end of the femur by resection over at least 12 centimetres and insertion of a massive prosthesis. The tumour was secondary in 9 cases and primary in 7. This treatment was used for metastases where conservative surgery was impossible or had failed. In primary tumours, when the excision was very extensive, the main problem was of stability of the prosthesis and its long-term future. A new type of total massive prosthesis, designed by the authors after biomechanical studies, is described.


Alterations of cardiac NaK-ATPase by the thyroid state in the rat. Total and specific activity of cardiac NaK-ATPase (EC 3.6.1.3) in the rat varied parallel with the thyroid state. The functional state of the thyroid altered the number of NaK-ATPase molecules in the cell; the catalytic activity (turnover number) of individual enzyme molecules did not change. Sensitivity of NaK-ATPase to its specific inhibitor, ouabain, (as estimated from the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of ouabain) was lower in hypothyroidism but remained unchanged in hyperthyroidism relative to the euthyroid state. Action of thyroid hormones appeared to be selective for NaK-ATPase as shown by the behavior of another enzyme of the sarcolemma, adenyl cyclase. Adenyl cyclase of the heart was not affected by hyperthyroidism but was significantly elevated in hypothyroidism relative to euthyroid controls.


Evidence of 'K'-cell killing by alloactivated, Fc-receptor-bearing cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Upon in vivo alloactivation of Ig-anti-Ig column-purified splenic 'T' cells in lethally irradiated allogeneic recipients, a variable proportion of donor-derived cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are able to bind IgG antibody-coated erythrocytes through surface Fc receptors (FcR) and form rosettes. The use of fractionation procedures based on the ability of these cells to form rosettes has enabled us to separate FcR-positive CTLs from FcR-negative CTLs and to examine the ability of these two cell populations to perform as effector cells in direct T-cell-mediated killing and in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. A series of experiments, either by direct isolation of the two cell populations or by deletion of the FcR-positive population by filtration through complexed immunoglobulin columns (Ig-anti-Ig), has shown both populations to be efficient in direct T-cell mediated cytotoxicity against the relevant target cell. The striking difference between the two populations is the exclusive ability of the FcR-positive population to function as effector cells in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Purification steps before in vivo alloactivation of our responding cells for the removal of 'B' cells and FcR-bearing cells with 'K'-cell activity, followed by procedures to remove phagocytic and adherent cells in the resulting immune spleen cell preparation and, finally, b y velocity sedimentation of the rosetting and nonrosetting blasts from the small lymphocyte population, has resulted in a population of FcR-positive cells 98% positive for the Thy 1.2 alloantigen. These fractionation steps and immunofluorescence criteria of purity strongly favor the contention that the ADCC activity within the FcR-positive T-cell population is indeed a property of the CTL itself.


Subpopulations of cells involved in the human mixed lymphocyte culture response. Various subpopulations of human peripheral lymphoid cells were tested for their role in the mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) response. Preparations of lymphocytes enriched for T cells, separated by a rosette sedimentation technique, were usually found to exhibit higher MLC responses than preparations enriched for B cells. The relatively high responses of B-cell-enriched preparations could largely be explained by contaminating T cells (approximately 5%) whose MLC reactivities were strongly enhanced by autologous non-T lymphocytes. Cell preparations enriched for B cells were found to be more potent stimulations of MLC responses than T-cell-enriched preparations in most responder-stimulator cell combinations. An MLC response could only be elicited in the presence of cells with characteristics of monocytes/macrophages. These cells could be derived from either the responder or the stimulator.


Back symptoms and psychological perception of work. A study among nursing aides in a geriatric hospital. 233 nursing aides in a geriatric hospital were interviewed about back symptoms and asked to fill in a questionnaire about their psychological perception of their work. Seven psychological scales and a variable of the overall satisfaction with the job were tested against the presence/absence of cervical, thoracic and low-back symptoms. Nursing aides with thoracic and low-back symptoms exhibited in general a lower level of overall satisfaction with the job, perceived more negative relations with supervisors and workmates and perceived greater strain and a greater demand for physical and psychic strength. The psychological perception of the work was, however, only partly related to the presence/absence of back symptoms.


Comparative effects of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants on succinycholine-induced fasciculations and postoperative pain. The effectiveness of pancuronium (1.0 to 1.5 mg), d-tubocurarine (3 mg), and gallamine (20 mg) administered three minutes before succinylcholine (1 mg/kg) in preventing muscle fasciculations and postoperative muscle pains was compared in 100 patients. Pretreatment with pancuronium abolished fasciculations and produced rapid and excellent muscle relaxation for endotracheal intubation. Both d-tubocurarine (dTc) and gallamine administered prior to succinylcholine (SCh) were inconsistent in prevention fasciculations. Muscle relaxation was significantly delayed in onset, shorter in duration, and was inadequate for intubation in the majority of patients. The 45% incidence of postoperative muscle pains in the control group decreased after pretreatment with gallamine, dTc, and pancuronium to 20%, 15%, and less than 5%, respectively. It was concluded from the present study that pancuronium is superior to dTc and gallamine for preventing SCh-induced fasciculations and postoperative muscle pains without compromising the muscle relaxation for intubation. However, pancuronium administered for pretreatment may significantly prolong the action of succinylcholine and caution is to be exercised in patients having short surgical procedures and when additional doses of muscle relaxants may be required.


Desmoid tumors of the abdominal wall.

Desmoid tumors of the abdominal wall. Desmoid tumors are musculo-aponeurotic fibromatoses which most commonly occur in the abdominal wall. They do not metastasize but local recurrence is common. The treatment of choice is wide local excision of the mass and surrounding normal tissue. We have described a rare desmoid tumor which involved the abdominal wall as well as small and large bowel. En bloc intestinal resections were required for complete tumor extirpation.


Immune complex disease associated with an infected ventriculojugular shunt: a curable form of glomerulonephritis. A 22-year-old man with a ventriculojugular shunt had edema, hematuria, proteinuria, hypocomplementemia, azotemia, and S epidermidis bacteremia. Initial percutaneous renal biopsy showed a diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis. Subendothelial and intramembranous deposits were seen on electron microscopy. Immunofluorescent studies were positive for IgG and C3. A repeat percutaneous renal biopsy six weeks after cessation of antibiotic therapy revealed a mild proliferative glomerulonephritis with some evidence of resolution. No deposits were seen on electron microscopy and immunofluorescent studies were negative. At elective shunt revision three months after cessation of therapy, culture of the jugular portion of the removed shunt revealed S epidermidis. Early recognition of immune complex glomerulonephritis occurring with an infected ventriculovascular shunt should permit early treatment (antibiotic therapy and removal of the infected foreign body) and a favorable outcome.


Topical nitrofurazone, a potent sensitizer of the skin and mucosae. Although freely available, topical nitrofurazone (Furacin) frequently causes severe contact dermatitis, necessitating hospitalization. Six patients with sensitivity reactions to topical nitrofurazone are described. Our experience suggests that the free availability of this drug may increase the incidence of reactions due to its use, and should be condemned.


Disabled-worker beneficiaries under OASDI: comparison with severely disabled PA recipients. The 1972 Survey of Disabled and Nondisabled Adults found that more than 1 million severely disabled persons aged 20-64 were receiving payments under Federal-State public assistance programs. To determine the reasons why most of these individuals did not qualify for disabled-worker benefits under the social security program, their characteristics were compared with those of the approximately 1.5 million disabled-worker beneficiaries. The public assistance recipients were found to be younger and less well educated than their disabled-worker beneficiary counterparts. A greater proportion of them were women and more were members of minority races. Public assistance recipients became disabled at an earlier age and had been disabled longer. Compared with disabled-worker beneficiaries, they had held less skilled jobs, had earned less money, and had had a weaker attachment to the labor force. These characteristics greatly reduced their chances of qualifying for disabled-worker benefits. Lack of knowledge about the program was also an important contributing factor.


Cardiac output following adrenomedullary deprivation. This study was performed to determine whether or not the adrenal medulla supports cardiac output and total peripheral vascular resistance after acute hypovolemia. Two groups of anesthetized dogs were studied. The first group underwent right adrenalectomy and the second, left adrenal denervation in addition. Adrenocortical function, as reflected by compound F and dihydroepiandrosterone determinations, was equally maintained in both groups for 120 minutes after hemorrhage. Arterial plasma concentrations of norepinephrine and epinephrine were low in group 2, p greater than 0.05 to greater 0.01. Cardiac index and peripheral vascular resistance were comparable in both groups before and for two hours after the induction of hypovolemia to a mean arterial pressure of 50 millimeters of mercury. The findings indicate that cardiac output and total peripheral resistance do not require adrenomedullary catecholamine release after acute hypovolemia.