[50 submandibular gland resections (author's transl)]. The authors review the etiological, and therapeutic data obtained from a statistical study of a homogenous group of 50 patients after submandibular gland resections. The operation was conducted for calculi in the gland in 56% of cases, infections in 24% and for other causes in the few remaining cases, including 4% with glandular tumors. From the technical point of view, the two cutaneous approaches with section of the vessels and simple enucleation were able to be employed in 76% and 24% of the cases respectively; the ease with which cleavage was obtained being the main factor whatever the etiology. Wharton's duct must be systematically and completely removed when calculi are present. The indications for therapy can be summarized as follows: -- systematic operation on any suspicious tumor for which the etiology is not rapidly discovered, -- determining factors for operation are also infections, recurrences, and a posterior localization of the calculi, -- postoperative complications are minor and consist mainly of paresis of the VIIth cranial nerve, which always regressed in this series.


[Complications of surgical treatment for submandibular calculi (author's transl)]. It is not unusual for complications to occur after surgical treatment for submandibular calculi, and 4 types were observed during operations on wharton's duct. These were: absence of calculi, breaking of a needle, hematoma of the floor of the mouth, and lost calculi. Later complications were more frequent and included a return of symptoms without residual calculi, false cysts in the floor and affections of the tongue. True recurrence is also possible. Severe postoperative complications such as hematoma of the floor of the mouth may occur after submaxillectomy. Sequelae are much more frequently noted, including neurological lesions (of the lingual and facial nerves or more rarely the XIIth nerve), pseudocysts, or cutaneous fistulae. In a critical analysis of the incidents, even very mild ones, noted in a series of 210 patients, a total of 110 were found, equal to more than half the cases.


[A rare localization of parotid lithiasis (author's transl)]. The authors report a case of parotid lithiasis localized to the deep lobe of the gland, which was discovered only after surgical operation.


[A case of necrotic metaplasia of the salivary glands (author's transl)]. The authors report a case of necrotic metaplasia of the salivary glands and review the principal clinical, histological, and evolutional characteristics of this rare affection of unknown etiology. The lesion occurs in adults, is located exclusively in the palate and appears as a small usually greatly ulcerated swelling which is sometimes preceded by pain. Histological examination, which requires a relatively deep and fairly large sample, demonstrates a group of modifications essential for diagnosis: ulceration on a inflammatory base with hyperplasic epithelial borders, plus deeper accessory salivary lobules with necrotic plaques and a great deal of malpighian metaplasia, and conservation of normal gland structure. This affection, which is sometimes wrongly diagnosted as a tumor, heals spontaneously within several weeks, which contra-indicates any strong therapeutic measures.


[Enlargement of the buccal aperture via. Technical consideration (author's transl)]. For a long time we know that it is possible to take out from the mouth a part or all the mandibule which presents a local malignant tumour. When the tumour is too extensed, the buccal aperture can be enlarged. The authors describe a new surgical technique which resolves this problem with notable and faithful advantages.


[A simplified method for producing postoperative analgesia in minor buccal operations by the use of acupuncture (author's transl)]. Postoperative analgesia by the use of acupuncture was attempted in 88 cases after stomatological operations, of which 60 were for impacted wisdom teeth. During the three years of clinical study of this method it has become simplified; from being applied before, during, and after operation, acupuncture is now used exclusively postoperatively without apparent effects on the analgesia obtained. The results appear to be extremely favourable in relation to those obtained under routine conditions after operation without acupuncture.


Cochlear models - 1978.

Cochlear models - 1978. Two important concepts at the forefront of most cochlear modeling work today are the need for nonlinear basilar membrane mechanics and the need for a "second-filtering" mechanism at the transduction site of the hearing system. Other less controversial topics are one vs. two-dimensional models and the use of the WKB method for obtaining analytical results for frequencies below the cut-off frequency.


Sclerotic medullary spread in diaphyseal osteosarcoma. Dense medullary sclerosis is reported in the shafts of long bones accompanying diaphyseal osteosarcoma. Histological evidence suggests that this indicates more extensive medullary spread of tumour than is readily apparent on standard radiographic examination. It would appear that these sclerotic lesions show active radio-isotopes retention following skeletal scintigraphy. The clinical and radiological features and prognostic implications of these findings are discussed.


Lymph node metastases from osteoblastic osteogenic sarcoma visible on plain films. The radiologic features of lymph node metastases from osteogenic sarcoma visible on plain films in two patients are described. In one patient the lymph node ossification was visible on presentation and in the other patient it was demonstrated six months after the initial diagnosis. The radiologic pattern in both cases was similar. Deposition of metastatic osteoid tissue in lymph nodes, to such a degree that it can be recognized on plain films, appears to be a distinctly uncommon complication of this malignant neoplasm. It is considered probable that this complication occurs with the osteoblastic type of osteogenic sarcoma. It is suggested that lymphography might be of value in the detection of such metastases at an earlier stage, thus influencing the plan of treatment.


Cell differentiation rates of Friend murine erythroleukemia variants isolated by sib selection. Variants of Friend erythroleukemia cells were isolated which produced a high frequency (98%) or low frequency (2%) of hemoglobinized cells after induction with dimethylsulfoxide. Repeated subcloning and sib selection allowed enrichment of different cell lines without the use of mutagens or drug selection. The cell lines do not differ in growth rates, plating efficiencies, or chromosome numbers. The differences in inducibility phenotype were stable for more than 260 cell generations. In addition to differences in induction by dimethylsulfoxide and butyric acid, the cell lines also differ in spontaneous rates of cell differentiation. These results suggest that differences in differentiation rates are an inherited property of cells which is amplified in the presence of nonphysiological inducing agents.


High frequency of mutation to tubercidin resistance in CHO cells. The acquisition of high-level resistance to tubercidin (an adenosine analog) in CHO cells occurs in a single step at high frequency (10(-3) to 10(-4)) without mutagenesis. Analysis of a large number of independent mutants by a fluctuation test (Luria and Delbruk, 1943) indicates that they arise independently of the selection medium and all fall into the same complementation group. All mutants tested lack detectable adenosine kinase activity. An analysis of hybrids between mutant and wild-type cells indicates that resistance to tubercidin is a recessive marker which segregates as would be expected if it were a haploid locus in the parental CHO cell. Resistance to tubercidin is not linked to the X chromosome in CHO cells and appears to occur at much lower frequency in primary Chinese hamster cells and other cultured cell lines.


Serum xanthine dehydrogenase of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in alloxan-diabetic rats. Xanthine dehydrogenase activity was determined in blood serum of rats in which diabetes had been induced by alloxan administration. The results show that there is no statistical significance in the difference found for normal and diabetic rats. Alloxan produced an inhibition in the enzyme activity in animals in which a carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity had been induced.


Plasminogen activator as a diagnostic marker for preneoplastic cells in human gynecologic specimens. A modified fibrin-agar overlay assay was used to measure the fibrinolytic activity in human cervical epithelial cells. The fibrinolytic activity results from a cell-associated serine protease that acts as a plasminogen activator. An enzymatic and morphologic comparison of individual normal and abnormal cells reveals that about 50% of the dysplastic and carcinoma in situ cells contain high levels of the activator. Forty percent of morphologically normal metaplastic cells also exhibit high activities of plasminogen. Forty percent of morphologically normal metaplastic cells also exhibit high activities of plasminogen activator. Most normal intermediate and superficial epithelial cells and all erythrocytes and leukocytes are inactive. The frequency of plasminogen activator-containing cells was somewhat higher in cytomorphologically abnormal samples than in normal samples.


Cytologic presentation of recurrent carcinoma of the uterine cervix and corpus after radiotherapy. In 40 women who had received radiotherapy for gynecologic carcinoma, biopsy was performed because recurrence of the tumor was clinically and/or cytologically suspected. Malignant tissue was found in two-thirds of the biopsy specimens. All the cytologic smears that preceded the biopsies were rescrutinized in order to establish criteria for recurrence of tumor. The initial indication of recurrence of squamous cell carcinoma was small cells with extremely dark, hyperchromatic nuclei. The nuclei were, as a rule, elongated, and their maximum diameter was about 8 micrometers. In the first smears these cells lay singly; later they were shed in clusters. The typical larger polymorphic cells without irradiation changes appeared later. Recurrence of adenocarcinoma was first indicated by more or less polymorphic, mainly ovoid naked nuclei about 20 micrometers in diameter with prominent nucleoli. The diagnosis of recurrent adenocarcinoma is often difficult since nuclear hyperchromasia may be absent in the early smears.


Cytology of malignant hemangiopericytoma. Fine-needle aspiration findings in five cases of malignant hemangiopericytoma are described. The cytologic material in three cases showed clearly malignant cells with large, oval to spindle-shaped, hyperchromatic nuclei, scanty cytoplasm and many mitoses. One case had neoplastic cellular findings, but malignancy was only suspected. One case showed cytologically benign neoplastic cells. In all the cases the cytologic material contained capillaries with benign endothelial cells and some knob-like formations of neoplastic cells lined by endothelium. The diagnosis was verified from ordinary histologic sections and from semithin epoxy resin sections stained by a modified silver impregnation method to demonstrate the basal membrane and reticulin fibers. Three cases were studied electron microscopically. In our experience the described cytologic features are common but not necessarily characteristic of malignant hemangiopericytoma, since other mesenchymal tumors may also have similar features.


Fine needle aspiration cytopathology of retroperitoneal lymph nodes in the evaluation of metastatic disease. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of retroperitoneal lymph nodes was performed in 47 patients with abnormal lymphograms during the course of evaluation for metastatic disease. The biopsies were positive for malignant tumor in 11 patients. Utilizing established cytopathologic criteria a definitive diagnosis could be established. Fine needle aspiration of abnormal lymph nodes detected by lymphography is an easily performed, accurate diagnostic technique.


Cytologic diagnosis of echinococcosis.

Cytologic diagnosis of echinococcosis. An asymptomatic echinococcal cyst of the liver discovered during laparotomy was initially diagnosed by cytologic smears. The case probably represents an aseptic necrosis of the parasitic elements in which the cytologic diagnosis had to be based on the presence of the characteristic echinococcal hooklets alone. Subsequent histologic examination of the cyst revealed degenerated scolices, as well as detached hooklets. This paper illustrates the usefulness of cytologic smears in the definitive diagnosis of echinococcosis and cites other cases in the literature in which the disgnosis was made by cytology. Also included is a brief review of the pathology and laboratory diagnosis of the disease.


Psammoma bodies found in cervicovaginal smears. A case report. Psammoma bodies and adenocarcinoma cells were identified in a cervicovaginal smear of a young woman. The identification of these cells aided in the diagnosis of this patient. This report adds to the limited number of cases in the literature.


The ultrastructure of surfaces of positively identified cells in the human urinary sediment. A correlative light and scanning electron microscopic study. Surfaces of cells in the urinary sediment, postively identified by light microscopy (LM) were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). About 35% of benign urothelial cells were characterized by the presence of short, stubby microvilli (MV). About 60% of such cells had surface microridges, and the remaining cells had surface blebs. Squamous epithelial cells were characterized primarily by microridges or by a mixture of microridges with short microvilli. Urothelial cancer cells had various surface characteristics. About 30% of these cells displayed plemorphic MV, about 10% of these cells showed short, regular MV, and the remainder appeared to be poorly preserved and had smooth surfaces, either with MV remnants or points of membrane rupture (holes or pits). The correlation between SEM surface features and the LM appearance of urothelial cancer cells was poor. Many of the most characteristic cancer cells on LM had no distinguishing SEM features. It is concluded that the application of SEM for the diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma in urine is of uncertain benefit, pending further studies.


X-chromatin (Barr bodies) correlated with the DNA content of lobular neoplasia and invasive lobular carcinoma in the female breast. Literature relating X-chromatin with the histologic grade in carcinoma of the breast is briefly reviewed. X-chromatin incidence has been determined in 14 cases of lobular neoplasia and 5 invasive lobular carcinomas of the breast and has been correlated with the DNA content in these sections examined by Feulgen microspectrophotometry. In 11 of the cases of lobular neoplasia, the DNA values fell within the diploid range and in the 3 remaining cases within the diploid to tetraploid range, while the 5 invasive lobular carconomas showed a DNA distribution between the diploid and tetraploid ranges. The X-chromatin counts of these cases were variable but did not correlate with the cytophotometrically observed degree of malignancy in lobular neoplasia. No statistically significant differences in X-chromatin count of lobular neoplasia and invasive lobular carcinoma could be seen.


Loss of X-chromatin and X-chromosome activation in HeLa cells. Activation of second X-chromosome by the action of estradiol-17 beta was studied with HeLa cells. The incidence of X-chromatin in estrogen-treated cells decreased remarkably from 55% to 6%. Further, heavy incorporation of 3H-uridine occurred in the X-chromatin bodies of the treated cells while no such labelling was observed in controls. There was also a manifold increase in the activity of the enzyme G-6-PD in steroid-treated cells, and this increase in enzyme activity could be inhibited by addition of actinomycin D. A nonestrogenic steroid such as testosterone had no effect on these parameters. These observations do indicate activation of second X-chromosome of HeLa cells by estradiol-17 beta.


Fine needle aspiration of ovarian masses. I. Correlative cytologic and histologic study of celomic epithelial neoplasms. The ovary is commonly involved by a wide variety of neoplasms and nonneoplastic masses. Seventy-seven ovarian masses were aspirated using fine needles. They included 29 neoplasms classified as being of celomic epithelial origin. The study was performed in order to elucidate the cytologic features of material aspirated from these neoplasms and to correlate them with the histologic features. As expected, material aspirated from malignant neoplasms was much more cellular than material obtained from benign neoplasms. By studying the background material, nuclear and cytoplasmic features of the epithelial cells, as well as the presence of other structures such as psammoma and hyaline bodies, a fairly specific pattern can be recognized for each neoplasm. Using aspiration cytology, a conclusion can be made regarding the malignant or benign nature as well as the specific type and classification of the ovarian neoplasms. Aspiration cytology, especially with the increased use of laparoscopy, has a specific role to play in the diagnosis of celomic epithelial neoplasms of the ovary. It is a valuable method when preservation of ovarian function or minimizing surgical trauma to the patient is desirable.


The prevalence of actinomycetes-like organisms found in cervicovaginal smears of 300 IUD wearers. The association of Actinomyces with IUD wearers has been widely documented and the possibility of the recognition of actinomycetes-like organisms in routine Papanicolaou-stained cervicovaginal smears has been reported. We conducted a retrospective study of IUD wearers to determine the prevalence and significance of actinomycetes-like organisms found in such smears. Three hundred smears from current IUD wearers were rescreened for actinomycetes-like organisms. Of this group, 200 patients were from a public health family planning clinic, and 100 were private patients. The incidence for the public health group was 25.5% and for the private patient group, 8%. A case history of actinomycosis is included. Findings such as other infectious agents, abnormal cytology and symptoms are also discussed. Although the presence of Actinomyces probably represents an opportunistic infection, the threat of pelvic actinomycosis with serious complications poses a management problem to the clinician when Actinomyces is reported in a routine Papanicolaou smear. Our findings lead us to question the practicality of the earlier recommendations of IUD removal and antibiotic therapy.


Percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the liver. Cytodiagnosis of hepatic cancer. Percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsies of the liver were performed on 21 patients with a clinical suggestion of hepatic malignancy. Under the guidance of the liver scan, several aspirations at the suspect areas were made in each case, with an average of 3.4 punctures and 13.8 smears per case. The biopsies were positive in 13 cases: 12 metastatic carcinomas and 1 hepatocellular carcinoma. There were no false-positive or false-negative results in this series. On the 13 patients with proven hepatic malignancy, 47 punctures had been performed. Of these 47 punctures, 34 (72.3%) were positive for malignant cells. Neoplastic tissue or cells were found from at least one aspirate in these 13 biopsies. Liver biopsies by Menghini technique were also performed on five patients with proven hepatic malignancy in this series. Of these five biopsies, only two showed evidence of malignancy. Typing of the tumors and determination of the primary sites based on cytomorphologic features in all the malignant cases were attempted. Origins of neoplastic cells were suggested in 11 cases and all confirmed in the follow-ups. The punctures and aspirations of these 21 biopsies did not reveal any immediate complication. Multiple fine-needle liver aspirations under the guidance of liver scan are of great diagnostic value with high accuracy in detecting hepatic malignancy.


Endometrial aspiration studies on Isaacs cell sampler with cytohistologic correlation. Endometrial aspiration material obtained with the Isaacs cell sampler from 220 patients was studied and correlated with tissue biopsy from 172 of these patients. Of 52 endometrial carcinomas, there were two false-negative readings. In addition, five cases thought to be malignancies by cytologic criteria were not confirmed by histology. Therefore, the endometrial cell sampler showed a specificity of 96.85%, sensitivity of 96.15% and predictive value of 90.90%. Only nine cases of unsatisfactory cellular samples were obtained as compared to 13 cases of insufficient material by dilatation and curettage.


Fine needle aspiration cytology in gynecologic oncology. I. Clinical aspects. One hundred forty fine needle aspirations were performed on 124 patients with a variety of gynecologic conditions. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the adequacy of this technique in the primary diagnosis of pelvic masses and in the detection of persistent or recurrent gynecologic malignancies following irradiation or chemotherapy. In this, the first of two articles, the clinical aspects of the procedure, including clinical indications and the different approaches and pelvic sites of fine needle aspiration, are discussed. The simplicity and lack of complications of the method, combined with a high degree of accuracy in predicting the histologic picture of various lesions, merit wider application of this technique as a reliable diagnostic tool in gynecologic oncology.


Distinction between atypical mesothelial cells and malignant cells by scanning electron microscopy. An examination of body cavity fluid specimens with correlated light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy revealed several surface features that distinguished between malignant cells and atypical mesothelial cells. The microvilli of malignant cells generally were widely distributed and showed a variation in appearance, irregular overlapping and the presence of fused and branched forms. Microvilli on the surface of atypical mesothelial cells were patchy in distribution, relatively uniform in length and diameter and generally lacking in irregular forms. These findings suggest that scanning electron microscopy may be of diagnostic value in the examination of effusions in certain cases.


Immunology of pustulosis palmoplantaris. The immunologic events of pustule formation in pustulosis palmoplantaris (and in pustular psoriasis) have been discussed with special reference to demonstrating the presence of immunoglobulins and complement within vessels walls, at the epidermo-dermal junction, in the horny layers and around the pustule, as well as its possible significance for the accumulation of leukocytes.


Serum uric acid levels in untreated and PUVA-treated patients with psoriasis. Elevated uric acid serum levels are a frequent finding in psoriasis and, despite some reports to the contrary, it is generally believed that an association does exist between hyperuricemia and psoriasis. It seems a convincing idea that the rapid epidermal turnover in psoriasis might lead to an increased purine breakdown and may thus influence the uric acid serum levels. Consequently, a relationship might well be expected between hyperuricemia and the extent of psoriatic skin involvement. The present study was undertaken in order to prove or disprove such an assumption and to investigate the influence of oral photochemotherapy on the serum uric acid levels in psoriatic subjects.


The biosynthesis of prostaglandins in psoriatic skin. The biosynthesis of prostaglandins (PGs) was studied in biopsy material taken from 8 psoriatics and 7 healthy controls. The psoriatic skin showed a statistically significant reduction in the capacity for PG synthesis: in psoriatic skin PGE2 was 301 +/- 74 ng/g wet weight and PGF2 alpha 425 +/- 89 ng/g wet weight, whereas in healthy skin the synthesizing capacity of PGE2 was 507 +/- 45 ng/g wet weight and of PGF2 alpha 730 +/- 206 ng/g wet weight.


Perceptions of the impact of baccalaureate degrees for cytotechnologists. The purpose of this study was to ascertain differences in the perceptions of medical directors, education coordinators and cytotechnologists of the impact of baccalaureate degrees for cytotechnologists on (1) career mobility, (2) salaries, (3) professional status, and (4) changes in cytotechnology education. Questionnaries were mailed to all medical directors and education coordinators of active, accredited cytotechnology programs and to a random sampling of cytotechnologists. The responses were statistically analyzed by computer and supported the following conclusions: (1) Education coordinators and cytotechnologists generally perceive a greater impact of degrees than do medical directors. (2) Education coordinators perceive more impact on career mobility from degrees than do medical directors. (3) Medical directors perceive less impact from degrees on professional status than do the other two groups. (4) There was little difference in perceptions of the impact of degrees on salaries and changes in cytotechnology education. (5) Degrees are perceived to have more impact on career mobility than on salaries, professional status or changes in cytotechnology education.


Study of cells in fine needle aspirations of the thyroid gland. One hundred nine thyroid nodules were studied by fine needle aspiration cytology and were compared with the histologic sections of these lesions. The correlation of diagnoses between the two techniques proved to be comparable, and the results showed a low incidence of false-negative and flase-positive diagnoses. The criteria and merits of the fine needle aspiration cytology technique used in diagnosing thyroid lesions are presented.


Physiological regulation of epidermal cell growth. According to the negative feedback theory, epidermal growth is regulated in vivo (at least in part) by the combined action of two inhibitors upon the basal cell proliferative pool. One blocks 85% of basal cells in G1 the other blocks 5--10% in G2. When isolating and culturing in vitro populations of basal cells from adult guinea pig skin, it has been possible to confirm that these cells are sensitive to both G1 and G2 inhibitions. However, only a small fraction (10% or less) of the G1 blocked cell population would be governed by G1 inhibitory messages released by suprabasal, maturing keratinocytes. As regards the G2 block in vitro experiments confirm that basal cells produce a G2 blocker to which about 9% or less are susceptible. The relatively good correspondence between in vitro and in vivo experimental data point to the interest of adult isolated epidermal basal cell cultures as a model for the study of epidermal growth regulatory mechanisms.


DNA in psoriatic epidermis.

DNA in psoriatic epidermis. An electron microscopic technique has been used to visualize crosslinks after total denaturation on DNA isolated from epidermis and dermis in patients with psoriasis treated with 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and irradiation with ultraviolet light at 360 nm (PUVA treatment). This technique facilitated accurate measurements of the number and density of DNA interstrand crosslinks. 30 biopsies from 14 patients were studied and a total of 9503 DNA molecules were scored in the electron-microscope, 6 patients were treated topically with 8-MOP and 10 were on systemic treatment. Two of the patients on topical treatment had previously been on systemic treatment. 1% of all DNA molecules contained 3 or more cross-links. The overall frequency of cross-links was almost identical in the epidermis (1.1%) and in the dermis (0.9%) and, furthermore, virtually the same in patients on topical and systemic PUVA treatment. The total number of crosslinks was of the same magnitude as that previously found in normal human skin. (V. Bohr et al., Acta Dermatovener, in press.) No significantly increased damage of the genetic material (DNA) was demonstrated in our study as a consequence of the PUVA treatment using 8-MOP. We have previously shown (V. Bohr & A. Lerche, Biochim Biophys Acta, in press) that 8-MOP induced crosslinks after irradiation at 360 nm in an in vitro system of pure DNA. In this system a correlation was established between the density of crosslinks formed and irradiation time, concentration of 8-MOP, and irradiation intensity.


Cytologic diagnosis of pineal germinoma in cerebrospinal fluid and sputum. The cytologic findings in an unusual case of primary germinoma of the pineal region which metastasized to the lungs are presented and compared with those in a case of typical testicular seminoma metastatic to the central nervous system (CNS). Tumor cells in Papanicolaou- or Wright's-stained cytocentrifuge preparations and Papanicolaou-stained sputum smears could all be readily compared to biopsies of the primary tumors. Large round nuclei with dispersed chromatin and multiple, prominent nucleoli were important identifying features. The cytoplasm was usually scanty and often vacuolated. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) (8 ng/ml of the beta subunit) appeared in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the patient with pineal germinoma, indicating that trophoblasts were present in the tumor even though none were seen in the biopsy or cytologic preparations. CSF polyamine levels, a test with 81% sensitivity and 66% specificity for brain tumors, were normal in the same patient. A comparison of tumor cells from both cases illustrates the similarity of germinoma cells from pineal primary tumors and testicular tumors metastic to the CNS. Although the identification of malignant germ cells in body fluids remains a grave prognostic sign, treatment with vincristine, bleomycin and cis-platinum is now inducing progressively longer remissions. Cytology should play an increasingly greater role in monitoring disease activity in patients receiving long-term treatment for malignant germ cell tumors in all locations.


Cell proliferation in psoriatics.

Cell proliferation in psoriatics. In psoriasis the DNA synthesis time (ts) of keratinocytes in characteristically lengthened in unaffected skin, and in very early and also fully developed lesions. The prolongation of ts in unaffected psoriatic skin can be increased significantly by removal of the horny layer with adhesive tape. After the same procedure, ts remains unchanged in healthy skin and becomes shortened in the skin of patients suffering from atopic dermatitis. These variations of ts after a standardized irritation indicate that this phenomenon may be used in diagnosis of latent psoriasis.


Electron microscopy studies on dermal nerves in psoriatic plaques. A morphological study on the ultrastructure of cutaneous nerves has been carried out on 5 patients with florid psoriasis. With the electron microscope we compared nerves in the dermis from psoriatic plaques, clinically normal looking skin from psoriatics, and skin from healthy people. No qualitative difference could be found in any of these three groups. Nor did the quantitative study show any difference in the ratio of myelinated to unmyelinated axons, or in the distribution of the fibre diameter of both sorts, or in the degree of myelination. As concerns possible qualitative changes in psoriatic plaques after treatment and subsequent recovery, we have not observed any change in the small myelinated dermal nerves.


Psoriasis and cell cycle: a computer simulation. Computer simulation using a two-phase model of the cell cycle has demonstrated that a transitory shift in the normal balance between the rate of cell flow to the differentiated and that to the proliferative compartment is sufficient to cause a permanent increase in the germinative population, thus resembling the alteration found in psoriasis. This shows the coherence of the hypothesis that cell kinetic parameters need not necessarily be expected to differ in psoriasis as compared with normal epidermis. This theoretical demonstration raises the possibility that the psoriagenic agent need not necessarily be present as long as the symptoms of psoriasis persist. From a therepeutic point of view this has implications that are sifficiently evident to warrant communication of this work.


The blood vessels of psoriasis.

The blood vessels of psoriasis. The true microcirculation is the flow of fluid and its contents through the tissues. This is controlled by blood vessels and lymphatics. Both are abnormal in psoriasis and may significantly contribute to its pathogenesis. The type of vasculature characteristic of psoriasis is common to many pathological states and probably influences the metabolism of the tissues in such a way as to maintain the pathology in status quo. It imparts to the tissue a special vulnerability but also encourages repair.


Liver function following repeated anaesthesia--method of study and interim results. Preliminary analysis of a yet incomplete prospective study of liver enzyme changes following anaesthesia shows less changes following repeated administration of enflurane than of halothane.


Effects of enflurane anesthesia on the function of ischemically damaged kidneys. Enflurane is metabolized to inorganic fluoride. Serum levels of inorganic fluoride exceeding 50 microM/l are considered nephrotoxic for normal kidneys. Renal damage has not been observed after enflurane anesthesia in patients with normal renal function. Further impairment in patients with previously damaged kidneys has been reported. The restitution of function of ischemically damaged kidneys was studied in two groups of dogs. In one of the groups, dogs were submitted to a long duration enflurane anesthesia. The other group served as a control. In the first group the serum level of inorganic fluoride at the end of the anesthesia was 27.9 microM/l. Renal function was studied with endogenous clearances and concentration capacity. The inorganic fluoride level achieved by enflurane anesthesia did not influence the restitution of renal function.


Influence of inhalation anaesthetics on bronchomotor tone--animal experiments on vago-vagal reflex bronchoconstriction. Animal experiments showed that the inhalation anaesthetic agents enflurane and halothane caused neither a direct increase in bronchial resistance nor an indirectly mediated increase in the susceptibility of the bronchial system to acetylcholine. There are, therefore, no contraindications to the clinical use of enflurane and halothane in cases of obstructive airway diseases, nor does the use of these agents present an increased risk for these patients.


Enflurane or halothane anaesthesia for patients with cerebral convulsive disorders? Of a total of 45 patients suffering from epilepsy, 29 received enflurane and 11 halothane anaesthesia, while 5 were given both agents successively during the same operative procedure. EEGs recorded during anaesthesia were compared with the corresponding preoperative records taken while awake and during sleep. It was demonstrated that neither enflurane nor halothane exacerbates a pre-existing susceptibility to seizure activity and that both these inhalation anaesthetics are suitable for cases suffering from cerebral convulsive disorders.


Effects of enflurane on splanchnic circulation. A brief summary of the anatomy and physiology of the splanchnic circulation is presented. The influence of 1 MAC enflurane anaesthesia on splanchnic circulation and oxygenation was studied in 10 dogs. Superior mesenteric arterial, portal venous and hepatic arterial blood flows decreased less than mean arterial blood pressure, due to reductions in superior mesenteric arterial, preportal vascular and hepatic arterial resistances. It is suggested that these reactions within the splanchnic circulation are mainly dependent on normal autoregulative responses elicited by the fall in blood pressure. Oxygen consumption of the preportal tissues and the liver was unchanged as a result of increased extraction of oxygen.


Compatibility of enflurane and adrenaline--experiments in the dog. Anaesthetised, intubated dogs were ventilated with 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% enflurane and received adrenaline, 1.4 microgram/kg/min, by intravenous infusion for 5 min. No further adrenaline was given if cardiac arrhythmias occurred. Depth of anaesthesia was controlled by measurement of enflurane levels in arterial blood by an original method. No relationship was observed between the inspired enflurane concentrations and the onset of cardiac arrhythmias.


Effects of enflurane and halothane on the microcirculation. Experiments have been carried out on the microvessels of the mesocaecum of Wistar rats exposed to equipotent doses of either halothane or enflurane. Parameters for evaluating microcirculation included venular flow, capillary flow, vasomotricity of precapillary sphincters and response to norepinephrine. Venular and capillary flow underwent relatively small modifications in both groups, but sensitivity to norepinephrine was increased in the halothane-treated rats and decreased in the enflurane-treated group. Although these variations were of a limited degree, the reduced sensitivity to norepinephrine in the enflurane group may express a certain degree of protection against tissue ischemia.


Cardio-circulatory effects of enflurane anesthesia in health and disease. The circulatory effects of enflurane (Ethrane) were studied in 10 unmedicated volunteers during anesthesia over a period of 90 min or more. Cardiac output did not change significantly at a mean alveolar concentration of 2.3 vol.%. Heart rate was increased in all cases. Enflurane causes negative inotropic activity in the heart muscle but has little influence on the pump performance of the heart.


Penetration of erythromycin through respiratory mucosa. A study using secretory otitis media as a model. This study is based upon the concept that the respiratory mucosa reacts in a uniform manner to an inflammatory stimulus. Secretory Otitis Media (SOM) may be used as a model to disclose some aspects of antibiotic penetration. Erythromycin was given for different periods of time to 108 cases of SOM where myringotomy was indicated. The middle ear effusion was aspirated and blood samples were obtained simultaneously. The concentration of erythromycin was determined by microbiological procedures. Erythromycin penetrated into the middle ear effusion. After the fourth dose the concentration was at the same level as the plasma peak level. The elimination of the drug from the middle ear secretion was considerably prolonged compared with the rapid elimination from plasma. This implies that erythromycin attains a steady state in the middle ear effusion with concentrations equal to the plasma peak level.


Leukemia in patients with acquired idiopathic sideroblastic anemia: an evaluation of prognostic indicators. The initial clinical and laboratory data of 25 patients with acquired idiopathic sideroblastic anemia (AISA) were analyzed. Criteria for accepting the diagnosis were hyperferremia, ringed marrow sideroblasts, ineffective erythropoiesis, and exclusion of associated hematologic disorders. The findings of a mean age at onset of 70 years, increased mean corpuscular volume, relative neutropenia; and occasional splenomegaly at diagnosis corresponded with previous reports. During the followup for a median period of 32 months, 6 patients (25%) transformed to acute myelogenous or myelomonocytic leukemia after widely variable intervals. The initial data base of these patients was compared to that of the remaining 19 patients in order to isolate predictive features. Only a lesser degree of hyperferremia (P less than 0.001) made the group going on to leukemia distinctive. The median survival of these patients was 20 months. The median survival of 19 patients not developing leukemia was 72 months for males and 42 months for females. Hemochromatosis was diagnosed in four patients and was a primary or associated cause of death in three. Analysis of the transfusion history suggested that intrinsic iron leading was a major factor in these patients. We conclude that leukemic transformation in AISA is a common, poorly predictable event which required lengthy followup for detection. Hemochromatosis in AISA occurs frequently and shortens the median survival.


Myelogenous leukemia evolving during the course of lymphoid malignancy in children. Two children who presented initially with a lymphoid malignancy were noted to develop recurrences with myeloid features late in the course of their disease. In both cases, evidence of lymphoid differentiation was present in the myelogenous cells that were Ph1 chromosome negative. The first patient had acute myelogenous leukemia and developed a recurrence with morphologic features of acute myelogenous leukemia. Terminal transferase was present in the myelogenous blasts. The second patient initially had a diffuse lymphoblastic non-Hodgkin lymphoma. During the course of her illness she developed a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by basophilic meningitis, splenomegaly, and hypereosinophilia. Lymphocyte T-cell (E-rosette) markers were present on the eosinophils. These observations lend further support to the hypothesis of varying lymphoid and myeloid differentiation in certain cases of leukemia.


Acid phosphatase in leukemic blasts: characterization by isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel. Using the high resolution technique of isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel, isoenzymatic components of acid phosphatase were detected in cell-free extracts prepared from different cytologic types of leukemic blasts in adults. Results indicate that for different cytologic types, different characteristic patterns of acid phosphatase isoenzyme could be detected. These studies extend conventional cytochemistry and indicate that characteristic patterns of acid phosphatase isoenzyme can be detected for various cytologic types of acute leukemia.


Release of an Fc-binding component from normal or activated human lymphocytes. Under cultivation at 37 degrees C in the presence or absence of Con A, human lymphocytes release a soluble component able to inhibit antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, EAG rosette formation and also able to hemagglutinate erythrocytes sensitized with a subagglutinating dose of IgG. These activities are selectively removed on Sepharose-aggregated-IgG or Sepharose-antigen-antibody complex, but not on Sepharose-(Fab') 2, suggesting the involvement of an Fc-binding component. These activities are not reversible by alpha-methyl-mannoside. As the appearance, in the supernatants of lymphocyte cultures, of such capacity to interact with the Fc portion of IgG is paralleled by a decrease in the capacity of such lymphocytes to form EAG rosettes or mediate antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytolysis, the isolated component might represent a soluble form of Fc receptor shed from the surface of human lymphocytes.


Immunotherapy with RNA in cancer.

Immunotherapy with RNA in cancer. The effect of I-RNA therapy was studied in a B16 melanoma-C57BL/6J mouse system. After having primary B16 isografts excised, mice receiving syngeneic lymphocytes incubated in vitro with specific guinea pig B16 I-RNA showed significantly improved survival as compared to control mice receiving untreated lymphocytes. This therapeutic effect was tumor specific and RNase sensitive. Significant cytotoxicity against B16 cells in vitro was consistently observed with lymphocytes prepared from B16 I-RNA treated animals, whereas lymphocytes from control animals or those treated with RNase-degraded B16 I-RNA or 3LL I-RNA had no effect. Results suggest that the combination of surgery and immunotherapy with I-RNA may be useful in preventing tumor recurrence in certain patients with cancer.


Effects of thymosin on cytotoxicity and virus production in AKR mice. The cytotoxic potential and ability to produce endogenous ecotropic virus(es) of thymic-, splenic-, and lymph node-derived lymphocytes were significantly (and differentially) altered following thymosin treatment of young (nonleukemic) and aged (preleukemic) AKR mice. Thymosin administration markedly enhanced the cytotoxic potential of both splenic and lymph node lymphocytes from aged animals, but effected a moderate increase only in the spleens of young mice. Thymosin enhanced the production of endogenous virus(es) by thymocytes from aged mice, with the opposite effect noted in young animals. Splenectomy generally reduced the cytotoxic activity and virus titers of lymphocytes from both groups, and thymosin administration further reduced the cytotoxic response. These findings probably reflect overall effects on both regulatory lymphocyte subpopulations and different endogenous viruses in young and aged mice.


[Retinoic acid and steroidogenesis].

[Retinoic acid and steroidogenesis]. When Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats fed from weaning on a vitamin A and provitamin A deficient diet are supplemented with retinoic acid, they mature into adults whose general physical conditions and weight are comparable with those of retinol supplemented animals. However, the adrenal cortex, testes and ovaries delta 5-3 beta hydroxysteroid deshydrogenases-delta 5-delta 4-3-oxosteroide isomerases are in all cases strongly decreased compared with those of retinol supplemented animals. These results are reproducible only if the mothers' reserves in vitamin A are about 50 gamma/g of hepatic tissue and if the animals are weaned between the 19th and 21st day. These results obtained under these strictly defined conditions demonstrate the importance of the "biochemical lesion" which causes steroidogenesis perturbations induced by the vitamin A deficiency. The experimental data are discussed in the light of the recent findings concerning the direct role of the vitamin A in the transglycosylation reactions (Luigi M. de Luca, Vitamins and Hormones, 1977, 35, 1-57).


The genetics of leprosy.

The genetics of leprosy. Population and family distributions of leprosy in the Bogia Subprovince of Papua New Guinea have been examined for evidence of inherited susceptibility to the disease. Evidence for multigenic inheritance of leprosy severity is provided by the restriction of pleiotropy with red-cell enzyme 6PGD phenotypes to a single clinical form of leprosy and by the superior fit of pedigree data to a multifactorial, rather than single-gene model, of inheritance. Discrimination of the multifactorial model as superior to the single-gene model in testing the mode of inheritance of quasi-continuous multiple threshold traits was possible by extending the models to incorporate information on assortative mating for leprosy. Leprosy epidemiological patterns simulated blood genetic marker gene frequency distributions of 13 polymorphic loci in their dependence on linguistic and distance effects. In an analysis of leprosy prevalence rates in 25 languages, leprosy rates corresponded more closely with linguistic similarity than with geographic proximity, suggesting the importance of ancestral genetic relationships between groups as a determinant of similarity in between-group leprosy susceptibility.


Feminization of the quail by early diethylstilbestrol treatment: histoenzymological investigations on steroid dehydrogenases in the gonads. Early treatment of Quail eggs by DES promotes a transient feminization of the gonads in genetic males and a strong stimulation of the Müllerian ducts. The left ovotestis results from the juxtaposition of a testicular medulla and an induced female-type cortex, which develops follicles and a characteristic 17 beta-HSD activity. The right testis is reduced but keeps a consistent structure. The medulla of the treated gonads shows, in both sexes, an inhibition of delta 5-3 beta HSD activity during embryonic development. After hatching, this specific enzyme then develops in the steroidogenic cells. These results are compared with others obtained with estradiol and also in chick. The discussion deals also with the effects of these estrogens on the endogenous abilities and specific responses of the gonads in relation to sex differentiation factors.


[Results of brain tomography in acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children]. Computerised axial tomography (CAT scan) was performed in 22 children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and in 13 the results were normal. In the other nine, various lesions were observed; namely intra-parenchymal lesions of density of (3 cases, one of which was calcified), intra-parenchymal lesions of decreased density (2 cases) and ventricular dilatation (7 cases). The role of the disease and of the treatment (intra-thecal methotrexate, cranial irradiation) in the development of these lesions is discussed. The CAT scan is an excellent method of monitoring the neurological problems in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.


[Event-related cerebral potentials. Classification and clinical use]. Event-related potentials (ERP) constitute an heterogeneous group of brain electrical signals time-locked to sensory stimulation, motor responses, and associative processes, recorded using computer averaging. Several kinds of brain electric activity are encompassed by the generic term "event related potentials": sensory evoked potentials, time-coherent cerebral events related to motor acta, long-latency potentials associated with psychological variables, slow potential shifts linked to psychological constructs, and "emitted" cerebral events of endogenous origin. Shortcomings of this classification are pointed out and a simpler one is proposed, distinguishing between sensory, motor, and associative time-locked potentials. Their clinical use is illustrated under six major headings: testing of sensory function, localization of lesions, maturation of the central nervous system, genetic markers, evaluation of pharmacologic agents, and indicators of cognitive processes. Some methodological issues relevant to the clinical use of ERP are discussed.


Difficulties in the use of D-penicillamine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The difficulties encountered in administering D-penicillamine to 40 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over a six to 24 month period are recorded. Side-effects were frequent. Proteinuria occurred in 13 patients (33%) mainly in the fourth to the sixth month. Renal biopsies were performed in six patients and all showed light microscopy abnormalities. Electron microscopy performed in five patients revealed subepithelial deposits in all and in addition some had mesangial and subendothelial deposits. Seven patients (17.5%) developed eight episodes of thrombocytopaenia which was quickly reversed on cessation of treatment or reduction in dosage. On the positive side, there was significant improvement in most parameters of disease activity at six, 12 and 18 months compared to the pretreatment levels, but the results at two years were less impressive. Reduction in steroid dosage was considerable and was greater than half the mean pretreatment dose after two years but the absence of a control group makes the full significance of these uncertain. Patients on high and low dosage regimens were compared over a 12 month period of treatment. Although the differences were not statistically significant, withdrawals and side-effects were less frequent in the low dose group.


Hospital discharge rates and deaths from asthma in the Hunter Health Region (NSW) 1971--72 to 1975-76. During the five years 1971--72 to 1975--76 annual total discharges of patients with a primary diagnosis of asthma from public hospitals in the Hunter Health Region (NSW) fluctuated only slightly. The number of discharges did not reflect consistently the underlying population distribution. Significantly more discharges than expected occurred among people living in the drier inland areas of the Region. Over the same period 65 residents of the Hunter Health Region were certified dead with asthma as the primary cause. In 29, death occurred at one of the Region's public hospitals but only eight were admitted as hospital inpatients primarily with asthma. Of the 65 asthma deaths, 36 (55.4%) occurred outside the Region's public hospitals.


Limitation of work performance in normal adult males in the presence of beta-adrenergic blockade. The effect on work performance of a single oral dose of the cardio-selective beta-adrenoreceptor blocking agent, metoprolol, was compared with an equipotent dose of the non-selective agent, propranolol, in the same subjects. A number of biochemical and physiological variables including heart rate, oxygen consumption, ventilation, lactate, free fatty acid and glucose levels were measured. Following exercise in the presence of both active drugs, subjects complained of excessive leg fatique. For the group there was a significant reduction in the total work performed and the maximum heart rate achieved on both drugs. There was a significant correlation between plasma levels of metoprolol, reduction in total work performed and reduction in maximum heart rate. By contrast, after propranolol, there was a wide variation in work performed at a time when the reduction in maximum heart rate was similar for all subjects. This suggests for propranolol that a reduction in heart rate alone is an inappropriate guide to the impairment of work performance. There was a fail in the circulating level of free fatty acids at the end of exercise in the presence of both drugs and it is possible that this biochemical variable contributed to the decrease in work performance.


The synergistic effect of weight loss and changes in dietary lipids on the serum cholesterol of obese men with hypercholesterolaemia: implications for prevention of coronary heart disease. The hypolipidaemic effect of a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet, alone and in combination with weight reduction, has been evaluated in two groups of obese men with hypercholesterolaemia. In 41 men who lost 10.3 kg over 11 months and maintained their lower weight for 23.5 months serum cholesterol fell by 1.68 mmol/l and remained steady at lower weight. In 20 similar men, the controls, whose weight fell by 0.8 kg over 39.5 months, serum cholesterol fell by 0.80 mmol/l. There was a significant linear correlation between change in weight and change in serum cholesterol. The change in serum cholesterol in the weight losers was greater than could be accounted for by change in dietary lipids. Weight reduction and low-fat, low-cholesterol diets appear to have a synergistic effect in reducing serum cholesterol.


Family study on the kindred of an adenosine deaminase deficient child with severe combined immunodeficiency. A study was performed on the family of a child with severe combined immunodeficiency and deficiency of the purine salvage pathway enzyme, adenosine deaminase (ADA). Sixteen relatives over three generations were studied. Erythrocyte ADA levels clearly indicated the heterozygous status of five members. A sixth member, whose erythrocyte ADA level of 48 nmol/hr/ml Hb was within two standard deviations (32) of the mean (76) was shown by ADA determination on platelets to be clearly heterozygous. Similarly, consideration of ADA data of either serum, platelets or lymphocytes only, would have failed to identify all heterozygotes. The survey shows that the identification of phenotype by the indirect means of enzyme level determination is enhanced by the simultaneous study of several tissues.


Warfarin and warfarin-alcohol levels in anticoagulated patients. The relationship between dosage, prothrombin ratio, and steady-state plasma concentrations of warfarin and warfarin-alcohol, were determined in 43 patients regularly attending an anticoagulant clinic. The warfarin and warfarin-alcohol concentrations were determined by a gas chromatographic mass spectroscopic (GC/MS) method. A significant correlation was found between the dose and the plasma level of warfarin. There was no significant correlation between the prothrombin ratio and the dose of warfarin, the steady-state plasma levels of warfarin or warfarin-alcohol, or the sum of their plasma concentrations. Measurement of the plasma levels of warfarin and warfarin-alcohol is likely to be of little help clinically other than to detect failure of compliance or malabsorption.


Spinal cord tumours in the elderly.

Spinal cord tumours in the elderly. Spinal cord tumours in patients over 65 years of age are mostly due to metastatic lesions when maximum deficit occurs within eight weeks. Benign tumours have a more chronic progressing course, are mostly in the thoracic region and, unlike younger patients, are overwhelmingly meningiomas. Although uncommon, benign spinal cord tumours should be recognised as a cause of gait deterioration in the elderly patient, as they responde well to surgery.


Serial exercise thallium myocardial perfusion scanning and exercise electrocardiography in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Serial exercise thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scanning (exercise and 4-hour redistribution) was compared to rest and exercise electrocardiography (ECG) for the detection of coronary artery disease in 125 patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. All patients underwent coronary arteriography and 108 were found to have significant coronary artery lesions. The serial exercise thallium scan was significantly more sensitive than rest and exercise ECG in detecting coronary artery disease (94% v. 83% P less than 0.01). The sensitivity of a reversible thallium perfusion scan abnormality and a positive exercise ECG for detecting exercise induced myocardial ischaemia in coronary artery disease was similar (69% v. 63%). The exercise thallium scan complemented the exercise ECG, and the sensitivity of the combined test was significantly greater than the exercise ECG alone (84% v. 63% P less than 0.001). The specificity for coronary artery disease of the exercise ECG was 65% and that of the exercise thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scan was 82% (P = NS). Thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scanning complements the rest and exercise ECG in the non-invasive detection of coronary artery disease.


An appraisal of rheumatic valvular disease in Western Samoa. Rheumatic valvular heart disease appears to be common in Western Samoa, although the exact incidence is unknown. The outcome in 170 known cases since 1974 is reviewed. Thirty-six patients underwent cardiac surgery overseas, with one operative and four late deaths and a further 32 patients died while on medical treatment. Advanced disease was present in the majority of the surviving medical patients. Mitral stenosis was the most common problem. Thromboembolism appeared to be uncommon despite the absence of anticoagulant therapy. Bacterial endocarditis was also seldom recognised, but was probably under-diagnosed. At present penicillin prophylaxis is often taken haphazardly and an unknown number of cases receive no treatment at all. A prophylactic programme centred on the screening of schoolchildren is suggested.


Adenocarcinoma of the lung in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The development of a second neoplasm is a rare complication in patients with various types of primary malignancy. This report describes two patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who developed adenocarcinoma of the lung and malignant pleural effusion following many years of cytotoxic therapy. The value of cytological examination of the sputum and pleural aspirate, as well as fibreoptic bronchial biopsy in the diagnosis are emphasised. The higher incidence of this complication in patients with lymphocytic type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may be due to their longer survival and probable basic immune defects which become overt after chemotherapy.


Systemic lupus erythematosus presenting as post-partum chorea. A case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is reported in which chorea was the dominant clinical feature, and which presented following a spontaneous mid-trimester abortion. The diagnosis, natural history and management of this uncommon manifestation of CNS lupus is discussed, as well as the influence of pregnancy on disease activity in SLE.


Annular subvalvular left ventricular aneurysm mimicking a pericardial effusion on echocardiogram. Annular subvalvular left ventricular aneurysms are a rare form of herniation of the left ventricle, reported usually in negroes. These aneurysms are situated beneath the mitral or aortic valves and extend along the line of the valvular annulus. The aetiology remains speculative but is not associated with coronary artery disease. Our patient was Caucasian and a review of the literature reveals only four other documented cases in Caucasians. Our case corresponds completely in pathological detail with previous cases. This condition has never been reported in Australia. The echocardiographic features have not been described before. These are the presence of a large echo free space behind the left ventricle, without an interior free space. These features are not specific but this type of aneurysm should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a loculated posterior pericardial effusion, along with a large left atrium and a hernia through a patent foramen of Morgagni.


Serum gastrin after 12 months' continuous cimetidine therapy for duodenal ulcer. Serum immunoreactive gastrin was measured in 14 patients with duodenal ulcer before and during a 12-month course of cimetidine 400 mg bd. All patients were symptomatically well during the cimetidine therapy and both basal gastrin and that in response to a protein rich meal were assessed before, at six months and at 12 months during therapy. The basal and post-prandial gastrin were significantly higher at six and 12 months on cimetidine than before cimetidine but the six and 12 month levels were similar. This study thus shows that the progressive increase in serum gastrin during six months of continuous cimetidine therapy does not occur beyond this time period.


The detection of immune complexes of different immunoglobulin class. Immune complexes were detected in 51 sera from patients with a variety of immunological diseases; 14 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); 14 infectious mononucleosis (IM); 12 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 11 subacute bacterial endocarditis (SBE). Three methods were used to detect complexes: the fluid--phase Clq binding assay (Clq.BA); the solid--phaseClq binding assay (Clq.SP) and the Raji cell radio-immunoassay (RIA). Modification of the Clq.SP and the Raji cell RIA by use of monospecific antisera to immunoglobulins G, A and M enabled the class of antibody in the immune complexes to be determined. Antibodies of all three classes were found in each disease, the predominant ones being IgG and IgM in SLE and SBE, IgM and IgA in RA and IgM in IM.


Chronic recurrent ventricular tachycardia--an electrophysiological study. Electrophysiological techniques were used to study 17 patients with chronic recurrent ventricular tachycardia. Twelve of the patients had coronary disease, while eight had pre-existing intraventricular conduction defects. The site of origin of the tachycardia as deduced by analysis of the QRS morphology correlated well with the electrocardiographic evidence of the site of the old infarction. Ventricular tachycardia was induced by pacing techniques in eight patients while it occurred spontaneously during the study in two others. In only four of the eight patients in whom tachycardia was induced, could the arrhythmia be reinduced; the arrhythmia could not be reproduced in one, while reproducibility was not assessed in the remaining three. Tachycardia was terminated by pacing techniques in six patients and by DC cardioversion in four. Ventricular tachycardia was initiated with a run of "torsade de pointes" in four patients. Ventricular tachycardias with varying morphology were observed in three patients. Electrophysiological study was of significant benefit in patient management in 14 of the 17 patients, particularly those with pre-existing intraventricular conduction defects, undocumented tachycardia or undocumented syncope.


Atrial pacing in ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia with aberrant intraventricular conduction: diagnostic and therapeutic implications. The diagnostic and potential therapeutic value of rapid right atrial pacing in ventricular tachycardia and supraventricular tachycardia with aberrant intraventricular conduction, was examined. The effect of right atrial pacing at incremental rates beginning 10 bpm above the rate of the tachycardia was studied in five patients with ventricular tachycardia, and in four patients with supraventricular tachycardia with rate-related bundle branch block aberration, the mechanism of tachycardia having been demonstrated at electrophysiology study. Atrial pacing resulted in persistent (four) or occasional (one) normalisation of the QRS complexes to that seen in sinus rhythm in those five patients with ventricular tachycardia. The intraventricular conduction pattern persisted with atrial pacing in those patients with supraventricular tachycardia and aberrant intraventricular conduction. This confirms that atrial pacing is a useful and simple diagnostic test in wide QRS tachycardia, which does not require sophisticated electrophysiological facilities. In three of the patients with ventricular tachycardia, atrial pacing terminated the arrhythmia, suggesting potential therapeutic use of rapid atrial pacing in such patients.


Does viral hepatitis cause aplastic anaemia? The sera of six of seven patients with aplastic anaemia following "hepatitis" admitted to Fairfield Hospital, Melbourne, since 1954 were examined for serological evidence of infection by HAV or HBV, with negative results. We conclude that at present there is insufficient evidence to presume that infection with any of the hepatitis viruses predisposes to aplastic anaemia.


Burkitt's lymphoma in Australia.

Burkitt's lymphoma in Australia. Three patients with Burkitt's lymphoma have been seen at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital during the past 18 months. Following treatment, two patients are in complete clinical remission.


Primary type I hyperlipoproteinaemia--a metabolic and family study. Primary Type I Hyperlipoproteinaemia is the rarest phenotype of the inherited hyperlipidaemias. A study of the plasma lipids, lipoprotein distribution and apoprotein concentrations has been carried out in a propositus and in three generations of her immediate family, as has associated post heparin lipolytic activity (PHLA). The propositus presented in infancy with spontaneous bruising and abdominal pain. She has gross chylomicronaemia in the presence of depressed PHLA, which is due to deficiency of lipoprotein lipase. Apo Al and B levels are depressed in concert with low density and high density lipoproteins. Introduction of a low fat diet has resulted in loss of symptoms but plasma lipids remain abnormal. Within her immediate family, six of nine members have depressed PHLA. Two such members have elevated plasma triglycerides, one associated with hypercholesterolaemia and peripheral vascular disease. Low PHLA in this family is then associated with different lipoprotein phenotypes.


Nalidixic acid and lactic acidosis.

Nalidixic acid and lactic acidosis. Nalidixic acid may cause severe acidosis and we report a fatal case of lactic acidosis assocaited with nalidixic acid therapy. Studies in normal volunteers showed drug related impairment of lactate metabolism. We question whether the drug should be used in patients who may accumulate the drug or be predisposed to lactic acidosis.


Benign rheumatoid nodules.

Benign rheumatoid nodules. Nine cases in which subcutaneous rheumatoid nodules were observed in the absence of any evidence of rheumatoid arthritis are recorded. In four of these cases, the nodules appeared during adolescence or adult life, a very rare phenomenon. Synovitis occurred in only one patient, after an interval of 15 years, but it did not persist and other features of rheumatoid arthritis were not present. The siting of the nodules in the sub-cutaneous tissue, the absence of features suggestive of rheumatic fever, necrobiosis lipiodica or fungal infection, and lack of any history of trauma, together with the histological appearance, supported a diagnosis of rheumatoid nodules. In all cases, serological tests for rheumatoid factor were negative but in the only case investigated with immunofluorescent staining, IgG and IgM were demonstrated in the biopsy material. It is important to recognise the fact that these benign nodules do not necessarily indicate that the patient has rheumatoid arthritis, or will develop rheumatoid arthritis in the future. The possible relationship of such nodules to granuloma annulare is discussed.


An unusual case of flaccid paralysis of both lower limbs following herpes zoster. A 57-year-old man with left T8-9 cutaneous Herpes Zoster lesions and subsequent development of flaccid paralysis of both lower limbs is reported. Viral studies strongly supported a diagnosis of Herpes Zoster. No other cause for the paralysis was found. The time interval between the cutaneous lesions and the motor weakness, the clinical course and good recovery suggest a causal relationship. The dermatomal and myotomal dissociation has been well-documented on the ipsilateral side, but involvement of the contralateral side is rare. This would appear to be unusual in that there was bilateral weakness of "LMN type".


Dihydroergotamine therapy in symptomatic postural hypotension. The clinical response to therapy with dihydroergotamine (DHE) has been evaluated in one patient with idiopathic orthostatic hypotension. The results of tests performed on the autonomic nervous system are recorded, and the evidence for a central defect in postural blood pressure control is presented. Tilt table testing over a two-month period confirmed the beneficial effect of the medication in preventing profound falls of blood pressure. The dose required (20 mg/day) was higher than previously reported.


Morphology, histochemistry and biochemistry of the oviduct of the toad, Bufo vulgaris (Anura, Amphibia), during the annual reproductive cycle. On the basis of histological and histochemical characteristics the oviduct of adult Bufo vulgaris can be separated into six zones. These characteristics include mainly the relative abundance of secretory and ciliated epithelial cells, mucosal foldings, tubular glands and the staining properties of the secretory elements. The VI zone (uterine segment) is totally deprived of tubular glands and is profoundly rich in epithelial secretory cells. These cells and the tubular glands, when well-developed, are rich in neutral and acid mucins in the preovulatory phase, whereas this content is greatly diminished after ovulation. Similarly, the weight and the length of the oviduct displays a marked seasonal pattern. The same is observed for its protein content and acid and alkaline phosphatases. These parameters show the highest values in the preovulatory period and lowest after ovulation. The toad oviduct also displays marked hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity along the mucosal epithelium. Its functional significance remains a matter of debate, however. A marked parallelism between the present data and those obtained by others in other amphibians indicates the existence of a common pattern of seasonal modifications correlated mainly with the release of the eggs and the formation of their multi-layered coat.


Fluorescence assay of tissue distribution of 4-demethoxydaunorubicin and 4-demethoxydoxorubicin in mice bearing solid tumors. The tissue distribution of 4-demethoxydaunorubicin and 4-demethoxydoxorubicin was studied in comparison with that of their patient compounds, daunorubicin and doxorubicin, in mice bearing transplanted tumors. The doses administered were equal or equitoxic to those of their parent compounds. The levels of total fluorescence due to initial drugs and metabolites were determined on tissue extracts by fluorometry. After administration of equal doses of daunorubicin and 4-demethoxydaunorubicin, the calculated Cxt values of 4-demethoxydaunorubicin equivalents were higher than those for daunorubicin in all the organs tested except the heart. In animals treated with equitoxic doses, lower 4-demethoxydaunorubicin levels were found in all the organs tested. In mice treated with equitoxic doses of doxorubicin and 4-demethoxydoxorubicin, 4-demethoxydoxorubicin reached higher drug concentrations than doxorubicin in spleen and liver, whereas in all the other organs tested lower drug levels were found. The rate of drug disappearance from organs was slower in animals treated with 4-demethoxyderivatives than in those treated with their parent drugs.


A model for human osteosarcoma in hamsters. An animal model for human osteosarcoma was established in newborn Syrian golden hamsters by injecting productively infected TE-85 cells (cultured human osteosarcoma cells) adjacent to the femur. Tumors were palpable 10 to 15 days following cell injection and enlarged progresively until the animal died (mean survival time was 36 days). The tumor take was 100% and all animals developed pulmonary metastases. Osteoid and bone were identified in sections of the tumor by light and electron microscopy. Invasion of the marrow spaces and adjacent skeletal muscle by the malignant osteoblasts, anaplastic sarcoma cells and multinucleated giant cells was frequently observed. The tumor was transplantable. TE-85 cell surface antigens were demonstrable by immunofluorescence on the surface of the cells of the induced tumors. The present tumor model had unique immunologic characteristics in that no antibodies were demonstrable in the sera of the tumored animals.


[Genetic structure of the Voltaic population of the Mossi plateau (Upper Volta)]. This study is about the placement of genetic markers of the "erythrocytaire ABO system". The area of study is the people of the central region of Upper Volta that is to say the following ethnic groups: Mossi, Bissa, Gourounsi, Samo, Peulh. The analysis of results permits us to conclude that the population of the central region is divided into two distinct groups: one group made up of the Bissa, Mossi, Gourounsi, Samo ethnic groups, constituting with respect to the "system ABO" a uniform population. And secondly a group constituted by the Peulh ethnic group which is different from the first group. The calculation of the inter-ethnic "genetic-distances" permits to see the similarities and the differences that one can conclude and discover between the diverse groups. Some studies to take place in the future in the east and west will permit us to further complete the map of "genetic distances" between ethnic groups of Upper-volta.


Enhanced steroidogenesis in hen ovary after malonate administration. The activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and succinic dehydrogenase have been studied histochemically in the ovary of normal and malonate treated hens. Following malonate treatment, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and delta 5-3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase showed increased activities while succinic dehydrogenase activity was diminished significantly. The significance of the above changes has been discussed. The ascorbic acid and cholesterol contents of the ovary were determined to get additional information about steroidogenesis in the gland under such treatment.


The influence of oestradiol on androgen- and oestrogen-dependent enzyme activities of hepatic steroid metabolism in rats. Five sexually differentiated enzyme activities of hepatic steroid metabolism (cytoplasmic 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 5 beta-reductase; microsomal 3 alpha- and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 5 alpha-reductase) were investigated in intact, gonadectomized and hypophysectomized rats after administration of a single dose of oestradiol valerate. Oestradiol administration caused a partial or complete feminization of these activities in intact male rats. The influence of oestradiol on these activities in gonadectomized rats was determined by the mode of sex hormone-dependent regulation of the individual activity: the most prominent effects were seen in the oestrogen-dependent activities (17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 5 beta-reductase); no effect was seen in the completely androgen-dependent 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase because gonadectomy alone was sufficient to cause complete feminization of the activity. Oestradiol administration had no effect on the activities of hypophysectomized rats. The fact that oestrogen administration to intact male rats caused greater changes than prepuberal gonadectomy demonstrates that oestrogen action is more than simple suppression of testicular function.


Polyploids and sex determination in Caenorhabditis elegans. Tetraploid stocks of Caenorhabditis elegans var. Bristol carrying autosomal and X-linked markers have been produced. Tetraploid hermaphrodites fall into two categories: those that give about 1% male self-progeny and those that give 25 to 40% male self-progeny. The former are basically 4A;4X--four sets of autosomes and four sex chromosomes--and the latter are 4A;3X. Males are 4A;2X. (Diploid hermaphrodites are 2A;2X; males are 2A;1X.) Triploids were produced by crossing tetraploid hermaphrodites and diploid males. Triploids of composition 3A;3X are hermaphrodites; 3A;2X animals are fertile males. Different X-chromosome duplications were added to a 3A;2X chromosome constitution to increase the X-to-autosome ratio. Based on the resulting sexual phenotypes, we conclude that there exists on the C. elegans X chromosome at least three (and perhaps many more) dose-sensitive sites that act cumulatively in determining sex.


3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency. Follow-up study in a girl with pubertal bone age. Follow-up data on a girl with 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency at a pubertal bone age are presented. On examination at age 14.7 years (bone age 12 years), there was no spontaneous breast development. On treatment with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone, most steroids with the exception of increased 17OH-pregnenolone in plasma and delta 5-pregnenetriol and pregnanetriol in urine, were normal. After 1 week off hydrocortisone, plasma 17OH-pregnenolone, DHA and delta5-androstenediol and urinary delta 5-pregnenetriol and pregnanetriol increased markedly, while plasma 17OH-progesterone increased only slightly. On increased hydrocortisone medication, there was no response of plasma estradiol to HMG. This first observation of a pubertal girl with 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency indicates that in this patient, the defect persists at a pubertal bone age and that it is not limited to the adrenals, but also affects the ovaries. Girls with this type of defect thus require estrogen replacement at a bone age of about 12 years. The large quantities of pregnanetriol in the urine are not due to an incomplete defect or an additional 21-hydroxylase deficiency, but most likely to the peripheral or hepatic conversion of 17OH-pregnenolone or delta 5-pregnenetriol.


Evaluation of the BIOSTATOR systems glucose analyzer. The BIOSTATOR Systems have an on-line glucose analyzer for use with whole blood. This analyzer utilizes a novel enzyme (glucose oxidase) membrane configuration and an electrochemical cell to measure the H2O2 generated. The analyzer response is fast, accurate, precise, stable, and linearly related to the blood glucose concentration over the full range of clinical interest. Extensive correlation studies have been completed to show the agreement between this analyzer and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recommended hexokinase-glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase procedure. In addition, studies on potentially interfering substance and the differences in whole blood and plasma glucose levels have been completed.


Laser absorption spectroscopy with an ATR prism--noninvasive in vivo determination of glucose. The use of lasers as light sources in IR spectroscopy allows an improvement in measuring sensitivity by a factor of about 100 as compared with the conventional technique. In addition, the monochromaticity of lasers appreciably improves the resolution. Combining lasers with an ATR plate acting as test prism gets rid of transmission cells without impairing the measuring sensitivity. It also considerably reduces the thermal load on the test sample; in vivo measurements on biological tissue can thus be made simply.


In vivo measurement of glucose concentration with lasers. Common polarimeters defined the concentration of an optically active sample by measuring the intensity of the light beam after it has passed through the analyser. Consequently, it can be stated that up to now, there have been the disadvantages of having a signal dependent on absolute light intensity. The new method that is described has a sensitivity that is in great measure independent of absolute light intensity, whereby only one light trace is necessary. The new principle uses no mechanical rotations. Instead, an electrical signal indicates the amount of optical rotation of the sample. The high sensitivity that can be reached is theoretically only limited by polarization noise. By going to the uttermost physical and electronic lengths, sensitivity values of more than 10(-5) degrees can be reached. Furthermore, the mechanical dimensions of the apparatus can be made very small by the application of a solid-state laser.


Gm allotypes and racial admixture in two Brazilian populations. The Gm types of 515 inhabitants of Belém and 395 inhabitants of Porto Alegre, Brazil were studied in an attempt to quantitatively estimate ethnic parental contributions. The people from Belém can be characterized as 24% black, 22% Indian, and 54% Caucasian. The Porto Alegre blacks seem to have inherited as much as 53% of their genes from Caucasian ancestors, while the whites living there have inherited 8% of their genes from African ancestors. The admixture values obtained for Belém are very similar if just the Gm system is considered or it plus seven other loci are considered, emphasizing the high efficiency of the Gm markers in such analyses.


Pericentric inversion in chromosome no. 2 as a de novo mutation. A patient with a de novo inversion of chromosome 2 is described. Two of her three children have the same inversion.


Segregation of rat chromosomes in somatic cell hybrids between rat cells and HT 1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. We produced somatic cell hybrids between HT 1080-6TG human fibrosarcoma cells and either rat white blood cells (WBC) or cells directly derived from rat spleen. Karyologic and isozyme analyses of hybrid cells indicated that they preferentially lose rat chromosomes. Hypoxanthine-aminopterine thymidine-selected hybrid clones expressing rat hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) and containing the rat X chromosome were counterselected in a medium containing 30 micrograms/ml of 6-thioguanine. Concordant loss of the rat X chromosome and of the expression of rat HPRT and G6PD was observed in the hybrid clones.


Assignment of a gene for human quinoid-dihydropteridine reductase (QDPR, EC 1.6.5.1) to chromosome 4. An acrylamide gel electrophoretic procedure is described which allows the separation of human quinoid-dihydropteridine reductase (QDPR), EC 1.6.5.1) from the homologous enzyme expressed in established rodent cell lines. The human enzyme marker segregates exclusively with chromosome 4 in a series of well characterized man-mouse somatic cell hybrid clones from our clone bank. This observation supports the assignment of a structural gene for QDPR to human chromosome 4.


Chromosomes in acute leukemia.

Chromosomes in acute leukemia. The karyotype of leukemic cells of 78 acute leukemia patients (37 ANLL, 34ALL, and 7 of unknown type) was studied by means of G-banding. Chromosomal abnormalities were found in 50 patients (72%). Chromosomes 8,21,5,7,11, and 19 were preferentially involved in the abnormalities, both in ANLL and in ALL. A high incidence of the characteristic rearrangement t(8;21) was noted in AML: (in 6 of 22 AMP patients). An identical reciprocal translocation--t(4;11)--was seen in 4 out of 34 ALL patients.


Comparative studies on cell lines established from normal and radiation-exposed miniature swine. Cloned cell lines were established from two swine with radiation-induced myeloproliferative disorders, including one cell culture from an animal with myelogenous leukemia and one from an animal with myeloid metaplasia. A third cloned cell line with similar morphology was established from pooled normal fetal swine cornea to compare the growth characteristics of cells from normal and irradiated swine. All three cell lines grew as foci of aggregated cells and were able to form macroscopic colonies in semisolid agar medium. The lack of normal mechanisms of contact inhibition and the observed aneuploidy indicated that these cells were morphologically transformed. Further, the cloned cells caused tumors in nude mice, clearly indicating that these cells were also malignantly transformed. A major difference between these cell lines was that type C viruses were observed only in the cells derived from swine with myeloproliferative disorders.


Relative fitness of genotypes in a population of Rattus norvegicus polymorphic for warfarin resistance. Resistance to warfarin and an increased vitamin K requirement appear to be pleiotropic effects of the same allele (Rw2). In a natural population containing resistant individuals where the use of warfarin is discouraged the change in the frequency of resistance should reflect the relative fitnesses of the three possible genotypes. A large polymorphic population of rats was extensively poisoned with warfarin and the level of resistance monitored regularly for a period of 18 months after withdrawal of the poison. During this period the proportion of resistant animals in live-capture samples decreased significantly from approximately 80 per cent to 33 per cent. This decline is consistent with a hypothesis of reduced fitness of both Rw2Rw2 and Rw1Rw2 genotypes relative to Rw1Rw1 under natural conditions. The relative fitnesses of these genotypes were calculated using an optimisation method based on least squares analysis. These estimates were: Rw2Rw2 (0.46), Rw1Rw2 (0.77) and Rw1Rw1 (1.00). Homozygous resistant individuals were found in some of the samples, confirming that the Rw2 allele does not act as a recessive lethal, although it must be extremely disadvantageous. Some heterogeneity was observed in the proportion of resistant animals in samples taken from different areas of the farm building complex. This could reflect stochastic processes influencing the Rw2 allele frequency in small peripheral populations.


[Mechanical and dimensional properties of thermosetting resins for crown (author's transl)]. The various mechanical and dimensional properties of seven thermosetting methacrylic resins for crown and one heat-curing methacrylic resin as the control were investigated. The obtained results were as follows. 1. The water sorption, namely amount of sorption water and linear expansion by water sorption of hydrophobic poly-bis-MEPP resins were 50 to 70% of that of the control. But hydrophilic poly-EDMA resins indicated the water sorption about 1 to 1.5 times as much as the control. And a poly-UDMA resin was also hydrophilic as poly-EDMA resins, indicated about 1.3 times as much as the control. 2. The properties of poly-bis-MEPP resins were more excellent than that of poly-EDMA resins especially in the wet condition, at least were equal. 3. A poly-UDMA resin contained so-called organic composite fillers, indicated more excellent properties than other resins on hardness, abrasion resistance, linear coefficient of thermal expansion, compressive strength and bending strength in the dry condition. But, in the wet condition, some of these properties of a poly-UDMA resin were approximately equal to those of other resins.


[Retention of crowns as affected by film thickness of zinc phosphate cement and taper angle of crowns (author's transl)]. Dependence of the retention of crowns at their axial wall on the film thickness of zinc phosphate cement and the taper angle was investigated. Stainless steel dies, composed of a preparation and an occlusally perforated crown the taper angle of which was 2.9, 5.7, 8.5 and 11.3 degrees respectively (Fig. 1, (a) and (b)), were cemented within three min. after the start of mix with a Shofu Micro Cement having a powder-liquid ratio of 1.5 g/0.5 cc. The thickness of the cement layer at the axial wall was regulated to a given value between 9 and 55 mu through the use of a discrepancy measurer. A Shimazu Autograph tensile test machine was employed to measure 48-hr retention (kg/cm2). The retention of the crowns was strongly dependent on the cement film thickness and the taper angle when the film thickness was below a critical value (15 mu in this experiment), but not when the film thickness was above this value (Fig. 3). This may be explained by the term of mechanical interlocking of either of the unreacted powder grains and the matrix phase in the luting cement, as schematically drawn in Fig. 6. The same findings were more evidently appeared on the semilogarythmic diagram in Fig. 4. In this diagram, the critical value was shown as intersection of two straight lines which could be drawn through all the measurements for four taper angles, using the least squares.


[A study of the ageing process in dental Ag-Pd-Cu-Au alloys by anisothermal annealing method (author's transl)]. The ageing processes in dental Ag-Pd-Cu-Au alloy were investigated by means of electrical resistivity measurements during anisothermal annealing. The main results obtained are as follows; (1) There are two obvious precipitation processes (stage I and stage II) during anisothermal annealing after quenching from above critical temperature. And the apparent difference in stage I attribute to solution treatment temperature. (2) Stage I occured at lower temperature, is one ageing process by the migration and annihilation of quenched-in excess vacancies. Another is stage II at higher temperature by the diffusion of equilibrium vacancies.


[Studies on Au-Ag-Pd-Cu alloys. (Part 1) Effects of Au component on some properties of alloys (author's transl)]. Au-Ag-Pd-Cu quaternary dental alloys were studied to find out the more favourable Au content. Pd and Cu content were fixed to 20 wt% respectively but Au content were changed from 10 wt% to 40 wt% and Ag content were balanced. Tensile, hardness, corrosion and castability test were carried out. Results were as follows. 1) The tensile strength and elongation of swaged specimen showed highest value at 30 wt% Au but in case of casted specimen, tensile strength was highest as 20 wt% and elongation was minimum at 30 wt% Au. Those differences between swaged and cast specimens were seemed to depend on the casting porosities. 2) The Vickers hardness test showed that the hardness gradually increased with Au content and showed the highest value at 30 wt% Au. 3) The corrosion test in the 0.1% Na2S solution indicated that the corrosion resistance was increased with Au content but the rate of increment was slow down at 30 wt% Au. 4) The castability test showed that no significant difference was found out one another. These experimental results seemed to indicate that 30 wt% Au was the favourable composition for Au-Ag-Pd-Cu dental alloys.


[Studies on Pd base ternary alloys for dental amalgam. (Part 1) Effect of size and shape of particle on dimensional change and mechanical properties (author's transl)]. Although much efforts have been paid to improve the properties of silver-tin amalgam, some clinical problems are not resolved yet. Palladium alloys have good properties for dental material, and they react on mercury well. So they are considered to be good amalgam alloys. In this paper, palladium base ternary alloys are studied for dental amalgam. The effect of size and shape of particle on dimensional change, compressive strength and hardness is studied. Main results obtained are as follows. (1) The dimensional change of spherical particle amalgam is smaller than that of fine cut particle. The finer the particle size is, the smaller the dimensional change is both for spherical and fine cut particles. (2) The dimensional change of amalgam of 60 wt% Pd-40 wt% Ag alloy decreased by addition of Sn or Cu, and these values under 20 micrometer/cm by addition of more than 5 wt% Cu or 10 wt% Sn. (3) Compressive strength of Pd alloy amalgam scatter so widely that the effects of alloying element are not able to be evaluated. Both maximum compressive strengths are 22 kg/mm2 and 28 kg/mm2 for the alloys containing Cu and Sn respectively. (4) Vicker's hardness of palladium alloy amalgam increased by addition of Sn and ranged 80 approximately 120 for spherical amalgam, which is higher than that of commercial alloy. Significant difference is not found in Cu added alloys. (5) From the analysis by XMA, it is found that matrix is composed of one phase and there is compositional difference between center of matrix and near the particle. Silver is rich in the center of matrix and palladium is rich near the alloy particle. Cu and Sn are seemed to distribute uniformly.


[Deaf-mutism, lymphedema of the lower limbs and hematological abnormalities (acute leukemia, cytopenia) with autosomal dominant transmission]. Report of a syndrome constituted from sensorineural deaf mutism, lymphoedema of lower limbs with early onset and haematological anomalies (aucte myeloblastic leukaemia, cytopenia) in four individuals (three boys and two girls from two generations). This observation suggest autosomal dominant transmission, however recessive transmission cannot be formelly excluded.


Action of depressor-I, a hypotensive phospholipid from bovine brain, on systemic and arterial blood pressures of various species. Effects of "Depressor-I" (D-I), a new hypotensive phospholipid obtained from bovine brain lipid fraction, on systemic arterial blood pressure were investigated. The hypotensive activity of D-I in urethane anaesthetized rats was dose dependent and tachyphylaxis and/or sensitization were not observed. Increments of the respiration and the heart rate were observed with sharp falls in blood pressures following intravenous administration of D-I, in simultaneous recordings in anaesthetized rats. D-I elicited hypotension in all species of animals examined, and the sensitivities to D-I were much the same, however, there were two types in patterns of duration on responses and the durations were also dose dependent. D-I exhibited depressor-responses even in conscious rats, though responses were much smaller compared with those seen in anaesthetized rats. In a comparison of anaesthetic agents in rats, the highest hypotensive activity of D-I was observed with pentobarbital anaesthesia, a moderate response was seen with alpha-chloralose and the least response was seen with urethane. In spinal rats or those pretreated with reserpine or antagonists, such as atropine, diphenhydramine, propranolol and hexamethonium, D-I also elicited hypotension. These results suggest that "Depressor-I" does not elicit the depressor action via the stimulation of the central and the autonomic nervous systems but rather by a direct action on peripheral blood vessels.


[Subacute and chronic monocytic leukemia: diagnostic and clinical problems]. The authors report on 16 cases of either subacute (SMML) or chronic (CMML) myelomonocytic leukemia as well as chronic monocytic leukemia (CMoL). All these cases were oligoblastic and, according to their clinical course, they could be termed as smouldering leukemias. The chronic types affected mainly males. The diagnostic cytomorphological and cytochemical criteria are discussed. Erythro- and thrombocytopoiesis were distinctly less impaired than in acute leukemias (AL). The leucocyte count in the peripheral blood of the SMML cases was within the normal range. Hepato- and splenomegaly were markedly increased as compared to AL. According to our materials leukemic skin infiltrations were less frequent in CMoL, CMML and SMML than in acute monocytic leukemias. In each of the three types of leukemia discussed monocytic leukemic cells could be readily identified by cytochemical tests and usually showed fairly normal maturation. In accordance with these observations lysozyme levels in urine and serum usually were strongly increased. The patients in the CMML and CMoL groups showed a mean survival of more than 13 months (2 out of 7 are still alive), whereas the SMML patients survived an average of 8 months. Deaths were frequently due to advanced age rather than to leukemia. In other cases a terminal accumulation of blasts marked a transition to acute leukemia. During the smouldering phase of the disease no beneficial effect of combined chemotherapy could be noted. Supportive and symptomatic therapy might improve length and quality of survival.


Geographical variation in the incidence of the leukemias and lymphomas. Despite the incomparability in the reporting of leukemia and lymphoma incidence among populations and the relative rarity of these diseases, real differences in rates are discernible from available data. In general, the incidence of each of the leukemias and lymphomas is lower in Japan than in other Pacific rim populations whose rates are known. Particularly striking is the low incidence of CLL in Japan. Among Japanese in Hawaii, rates of some of these cancers (lymphosarcoma, CML) approach those of whites, whereas rates of other cancers (Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, ALL, CLL, and AML) more closely resemble those of native Japanese. The number of Chinese living in countries served by population-based cancer reporting systems is too small for any firm conclusions to be made about leukemia and lymphoma incidence in this group. The incidence of these diseases in certain other nonwhite Pacific rim residents (i.e., Mexican Americans, blacks, and Maoris) is, by and large, similar to that of whites.