Direct plating versus dilution plating in qualitatively determining the mold flora of dried beans and soybeans. Two methods presently used for examining whole foods and feeds for viable molds were evaluated for their relative effectiveness in the qualitative determination of the total number of mold species present in soybeans and dried beans: the direct plating method and the serial dilution method. Sixty-nine soybean samples and 40 dried bean samples were examined. Although the quantitative results of this study were inconclusive, the qualitative results show that the direct plating method was substantially more effective in detecting individual mold species. An average of 12.9 and 10.9 species was detected by the direct plating method in whole soybean and dried bean samples, respectively. An average of 4.4 and 2.8 species was detected by the dilution method in ground soybean and dried bean samples, respectively. A total of at least 37 mold species were found in the study, including 10 toxicogenic species. With few exceptions, detection rates of the 37 individual species were substantially greater among the samples examined by direct plating than those examined by serial dilution.


Negative chemotaxis in cellular slime molds. This study confirms the suggestion of earlier workers that the vegetative amoebae of Dictyostelium repel each other while those of Polysphondylium violaceum do not. When Dictyostelium amoebae were placed in drops on thin and thick agar, the cells moved out faster on the thin agar, presumably because the repellent was more concentrated. This did not occur with Polysphondylium amoebae. Also, if 2 drops of cells were placed side by side, or a single drop was placed near an edge, in Dictyostelium there were fewer cells emerging between the drops (or near an edge) than on the far side. Polysphondylium showed no such difference. However, Polysphondylium amoebae were repelled by Dictyostelium cells (but not vice versa) when drops of each were placed beside one another. Finally, if Dictyostelium discoideum cells were placed in drops over thick and thin agar, but separated from the agar by a dialysis membrane, the cells again spread farther on the thin agar, indicating that the repellent is a dialyzable molecule.


Kinetic studies dealing with immobilized reversible enzyme system. Experimental evidence for shift of apparent equilibrium constant within bienzyme system. Two chemostat methods for studying the immobilized enzyme kinetics are presented. The methods are applied to glucose-6-phosphate isomerase immobilized within a proteic membrane. The first method is based on the steady state behavior of a Continuously Stirred Tank Reactor (C.S.T.R.) and the second one on a diffusion-reaction process. The apparent equilibrium ratio between glucose 6-phosphate and fructose 6-phosphate is measured for the immobilized enzyme system. No modification is observed with a monoenzyme membrane. In the presence of a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity the product of the first reaction is trapped by the second one and due to the local intramembrane concentrations an apparent modification of the equilibrium ratio is observed. The apparent modification is studied with the bienzyme membrane as a function of the concentration of NADP co-substrate of the second enzyme. A "Michaelian" relationship is observed.


Synthesis of myelin glycosphingolipids (galactosylceramide and galactosyl(3-O-sulfate)ceramide (sulfatide)) by cloned cell lines derived from mouse neurotumors. Clonal cell lines derived from both spontaneous and chemically induced rat and mouse brain tumors were screened for their ability to incorporate H232SO4 into galactosyl(3-O-sulfate)ceramide (sulfatide). High levels of 35SO4 incorporation into sulfatide were found only in two of the mouse cell lines studied (G26-20 and -24). Tumors produced by subcutaneous injection of these cell lines into C57BL/6 mice were also unique in that they contained high levels of both sulfatide and galactosylceramide. The synthesis of large amounts of sulfatide and galactosylceramide by a clonal cell line of neurological origin suggests that the original tumor was of oligodendrocyte or Schwann cell origin. In common with a large number of mouse and rat astrocyte cell strains and their derived tumors, these glial cells lacked the ability to synthesize gangliosides such as monosialotetraglycosylceramide and disialotetraglycosylceramide (as judged by analytical and [3H]GlcNH2 incorporation studies). This appears to be a unique characteristic of neuroblastoma-derived cell strains such as N18, NB2a, and NB41A.


Immobilization of enzymes on slowly soluble carriers. The preparation and some properties of microspheres composed of oxidized polysaccharides and some vinyl polymers are described. The microspheres contain immobilized enzyme and can be slowly solubilized in water solutions, thereby releasing active a enzyme into the surrounding medium. The kinetic characteristics of the immobilized enzyme bound with a fragment of matrix after complete solubilization are unchanged, but the enzyme exhibits high thermostability. These preparations could have a wide range of medical applications, e.g., to form a drug "depot" directly in an affected organ.


Microtubule and microfilament rearrangements during capping of concanavalin A receptors on cultured ovarian granulosa cells. Thin-section electron microscope analysis of rat and rabbit-cultured granulosa cells treated with concanavalin A (Con A) at 37 degrees C revealed coordinated changes in the cytoplasmic disposition of microfilaments, thick filaments, and microtubules during cap formation and internalization of lectin-receptor complexes. Con A-receptor clustering is accompanied by an accumulation of subplasmalemmal microfilaments which assemble into a loosely woven ring as patches of receptor move centrally on the cell surface. Periodic densities appear in the microfilament ring which becomes reduced in diameter as patches coalesce to form a single central cap. Microtubules and thick filaments emerge associated with the capped membrane. Capping is followed by endocytosis of the con A-receptor complexes. During this process, the microfilament ring is displaced basally into the cytoplasm and endocytic vesicles are transported to the paranuclear Golgi complex along microtubules and thick filaments. Eventually, these vesicles aggregate near the cell center where they are embedded in a dense meshwork of thick filaments. Freeze-fracture analysis of Con A-capped granulosa cells revealed no alteration in the arrangement of peripheral intramembrane particles but large, smooth domains were conspicuous in the capped region of the plasma membrane. The data are discussed with reference to the participation of microtubules and microfilaments in the capping process.


Muscle actin filaments bind pituitary secretory granules in vitro. Hog anterior pituitary secretory granules sediment at 3,000 g. When rat or rabbit skeletal muscle actin filaments are present with the granules, the sedimentation decreases markedly. Depolymerized actin or viscous solutions of Ficoll and collagen have no effect on granule sedimentation. With this assay, actin filaments bind secretory granules (consisting of the proteinaceous core plus limiting membrane), secretory granule membranes, mitochondria, artificial lecithin liposomes, and styrene-butadiene microspheres, but have little or no interaction with membrane-free secretory granule cores and albumin microspheres. A secretory granule-actin complex sedimentable between 3,000 g and 25,000 g can be isolated. Metal ions, nucleotides, salts, dithiothreitol, or pretreatment of the granules with trypsin do not destroy the binding, which appears to be a lipophilic interaction.


Transport of sodium, potassium, and calcium across rabbit polymorphonuclear leukocyte membranes. Effect of chemotactic factor. The transport properties of the rabbit peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) plasma membrane to Na+, K+, and Ca2+ have been characterized. The use of a silicone oil centrifugation technique provided a rapid and reliable method for measuring ion fluxes in these cells. Na+ and K+ movements across PMN membranes were found to be rapid. The value for the unifirectional steady-state fluxes (in meq/liter cell X min) were of the order of 3.0 for Na+ and 7.4 for K+. Ouabian inhibited both K+ influx and Na+ efflux, the latter being also dependent on the presence of extracellular potassium. The rate constant (in min-1) for 45Ca influx was found to be .05 and that for 45Ca efflux .04. The synthetic chemotactic factor formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) was found to affect the fluxes of Na+, K+, and Ca2+ at concentrations as low as 10(-10)M. FMLP induced a large and rapid increase in the permeability of the PMN plasma membrane to 22Na. Smaller and delayed enhancements of 42K influx and 22Na efflux were also noted. Some evidence that the latter findings are a consequence of the increased 22Na influx is presented. 45Ca influx and efflux were also stimulated by FMLP. In the presence of 0.25 mM extracellular calcium, FMLP induced an increase in the steady-state level of cell-associated 45Ca. In the presence of .01 mM extracellular calcium, however, a transient decrease in the steady-state level of cell-associated 45Ca was induced by FMLP. The curves relating the concentration of FMLP to its effects on cation fluxes are very similar to those found for its enhancement of migration.


Dynamic aspects of filopodial formation by reorganization of microfilaments. The coelomocytes of the sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, may be prevented from clotting with 50 mM ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetate, 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.8 and subsequently separated into various cell types on sucrose gradients. One cell type, the petaloid coelomocyte, spontaneously undergoes a striking morphological transformation to a form  exhibiting numerous, t-in cytoplasmic projections (filopodia). Moreover, the transformation is reversible. Ultrastructurally, the formation of the filopodia results from a progressive reorganization of actin-containing filaments into bundles that are radially oriented. The formation of the filament bundles is initiated at the cell's periphery and proceeds inward. Simultaneously, the cytoplasm in between the bundles is withdrawn, exposing finger-like filopodia. Ultimately, the filopodia can be extended by up to four times their original length. Biochemically, actin is the most abundant protein in while cell homogenates and is extractable in milligram quantities via acetone powders. An actomyosin complex may also be isolated from these cells and is presumed to be active in producing the various forms of motility observed.


Modification of tubulin by tyrosylation in cells and extracts and its effect on assembly in vitro. A post-translational modification of tubulin with potential regulatory significance has been revealed by the discovery of an enzyme (tubulin-tyrosine ligase) in brain extracts which can add a tyrosine residue to the alpha chain, apparently through peptide bond linkage to a C-terminal glutamate. We have investigated whether this modification also occurs in vivo, and whether it alters the extent to which tubulin can assemble in vitro. Cytoplasmic tubulin purified from bovine brain by cycles of assembly was shown to be partially tyrosylated. Carboxypeptidase A digestion of isolated alpha chains liberated about 0.3 equivalent of tyrosine. Brief digestion of native tubulin increased the proportion of alpha chains which could be tyrosylated by ligase, from 25 to 45%. The tubulin assembled to the same extent before and after carboxypeptidase treatment. When tubulin was purified after introducing labeled tyrosine with ligase, the labeled species assembled in the same proportion as unlabeled. Thus tubulin can be incorporated into microbubules in vitro with or without C-terminal tyrosine. An apparent resolution of alpha chain into two components by hydroxylapatite chromatography was shown not to be due to the presence or absence of C-terminal tyrosine. Tubulin-tyrosine ligase was found in extracts of every rat tissue examined, but was not detected in sea urchin eggs before or after fertilization, in Tetrahymena cells or cilia, or in yeast. Cultured neuroblastoma cells fixed tyrosine into tubulin alpha chains under conditions where protein synthesis was inhibited; this in vivo fixation appeared to be into an insoluble moiety of tubulin. Incidental to these studies, a new assay utilizing an enamine substrate for carboxypeptidase was investigated.


Development of spike potentials in skeletal muscle cells differentiated in vitro from chick embryo. The development of spike potential mechanisms during cell differentiation was studied in chick myotubes formed in vitro from trypsin-dissociated myoblasts. The spike potential and its rate of rise were measured in myotubes from 4-14 day old cultures. A depolarizing current pulse was delivered to evoke the spike potential after the steady membrane potential had been adjusted to a standard level of -80 mV in all cases. This gives the greatest maximum rate of rise of the spike potential and eliminates variation due to differences in the resting membrane potential of the myotubes. The size and maximum rate of rise of the spike potential increased significantly during the period examined. The spike potential was blocked by tetrodotoxin in almost all myotubes. These results suggest that during differentiation myotubes develop the ability to generate a spike potential due to an inward current carried by sodium ions.


Coordinate regulation of protein synthesis and messenger RNA content during growth arrest of suspension Chinese hamster ovary cells. We have found Chinese Hamster Ovary cells, cultured in suspension, are subject to growth control by serum. When suspended in medium containing 0.5% serum the cells becomes reversibly arrested in the beginning of the G1 phase of the cell cycle and can be maintained in this viable, nonproliferating state for several days. This system was used to examine the regulation of protein synthesis with growth rate. In particular, the experiments addressed the question whether mRNA content is the principal controlling factor determining the rate of protein synthesis. The rate of leucine incorporation in resting cells in low serum is 2-to 2.5-fold lower than that of cells growing in 10% serum. The steady-state number of cytoplasmic poly A (+) RNA molecules shows a proportional decrease, consistent with it being a determining factor controlling the rate of protein synthesis. Furthermore, the rate of production of poly A (+) and poly A (-) RNA appears to be regulated coordinately. Regulation of the rate of initiation of translation would result in fewer ribosomes bound per active message and/or a lower proportion of total mRNA's being active. Our measurements indicate that the fraction of cytoplasmic poly A (+) mRNA in polyribosomes and the relative degree of loading of each active poly A(+) mRNA with ribosomes is the same in resting and growing cells. Thus these cells resemble 3T6 and translational control does not appear to be an important part of the change in protein synthetic rate with teh state of growth.


Chloride-stimulated sulfate efflux in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells: evidence for 1:1 coupling. The kinetics of Cl-SO4-(2) exchange in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells was investigated in an attempt to determine the stoichiometry of this process. When tumor cells, equilibrated in Cl--free, 25 mM SO4-(2) medium are placed in SO4-(2)-free, 25 mm Cl-medium, both the net amount and rate of Cl-uptake far exceeds SO4-(2) loss.. Addition of the anion transport inhibitor SITS (4-acetamido-4,-isothiocyano-stilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid) greatly reduces sulfate efflux (97%), but has no measurable effect on chloride uptake. Addition of furosemide, a Cl-transport inhibitor, reduces chloride uptake 94% but is without effect on sulfate efflux. These findings suggest that a chloride permeability pathway exists distinct from that utilized by SO4-(2). SITS, when added to furosemide treated cells, further reduces chloride uptake as well as inhibiting sulfate efflux, and under these experimental conditions, a linear relationship exists between SITS-sensitive, net chloride uptake and sulfate loss. The slope of this line is 1.05 (correlation coefficient = 0.996) which suggests the stoichiometry of Cl-SO4-(2) exchange is 1:1. Assuming a 1:1 stoichiometry, measurement of the initial chloride influx and initial sulfate efflux indicate that 92% of net chloride uptake is independent of sulfate efflux. Taken altogether, these results support the contention that the tumor cell possesses a permeability pathway which facilitates the exchange of one sulfate for one chloride. Under conditions where anion transport is not inhibited, this coupling is obscured by a second and quantitatively more important pathway for chloride uptake. This pathway is SITS-insensitive, although partially inhibited by furosemide.


The effects of neuraminidase on concanavalin A agglutination of erythrocytes: evidence for adsorption of neuraminidase to erythrocyte membrane. Neuraminidase-treated human erythrocytes, but not untreated erythrocytes, were agglutinated by concanavalin A. The degree of concanavalin A agglutinability was not directly related to sialic acid removal by neuraminidase. While maximal sialic acid release was obtained with 5 units neuraminidase/2 x10(9) erythrocytes, maximal concanavalin A agglutination was only obtained after exposure to 20 units neuramindase. Binding of 3H-concanavalin A by erythrocytes was 10-fold higher with rabbit compared to human red cells. Neuraminidase treatment of human erythrocytes caused a relative increase in 3H-concanavalin binding, but the absolute amount was still 10-fold less than that bound to rabbit erythrocytes. Specific adherence of neuraminidase to Con A-Agarose could not be demonstrated. There was no evidence for contamination of the neuraminidase preparation with proteases using a sensitive assay. These studies suggest that neuraminidase absorbs to erythrocytes by a mechanism other than removal of sialic acid.


Determination of various drugs in rodent diet mixtures. Methods employing solvent extraction, thin-layer chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, and UV spectrophotometry are described for the quantitative determination of halofenate, cyclobenzaprine and sulindac in rodent diet mixtures. Halofenate was hydrolyzed to its free acid derivative and converted to a methyl ester prior to assay. The drugs were shown to be stable when stored in food mixtures at room temperature for seven days. Diet mixtures containing the three drugs were demonstrated to be uniformly mixed by the procedure employed.


Pituitary and plasma lipotropins: demonstration of the artificial nature of betaMSH. Evidence has been presented by others that betaMSH immunoreactivity in human plasma is due to beta and gamma lipotropin rather than betaMSH. We have studied this question in normal subjects utilizing a sensitive human betaMSH radioimmunoassay capable of quantifying betaMSH in unextracted plasma with a sensitivity of 7.5 pg/ml. Purified human beta lipotropin cross-reacted 30% on a molar basis with synthetic human betaMSH in this assay. ACTH related peptides showed less than 0.1% cross-reactivity. Normal values at 0800 h were 19.6+/-2.4 pg/ml and suppressed to 9.3+/-1.3 pg/mol following dexamethasone. Metyrapone increased 0800 h values to 379.6+/-89.9 pg/ml. Chromatographic studies on Sephadex G-50 demonstrated no betaMSH per se in human pituitaries, plasma from metyrapone treated normals, patients with Cushing's disease. Nelson's syndrome, or Addison's disease. betaMSH immunoreactivity showed the elution pattern of beta lipotropin.


Heterogeneity of circulating C-peptide.

Heterogeneity of circulating C-peptide. Serum C-peptide levels vary when measured with different immunoassay systems. In order to assess the factors contributing to this finding, serum C-peptide was measured in two assays utilizing different antisera, but the same standards and labeled peptide. The antisera were characterized with synthetic C-peptide fragments and their reactivities towards some of these fragments differed. The results of dilution and recovery tests and stability of the C-peptide during storage showed differences between the two assays. Gel filtration experiments indicated heterogeneity within the major C-peptide peak, and, in addition, a smaller peak of lower molecular weight material was present in some sera. Although degradation of serum C-peptide may occur during storage or with freezing and thawing, fragments of C-peptide may also be secreted or arise during in vivo metabolism.


Serum prolactin levels during the menstrual cycle. Serum prolactin has been measured in blood samples collected daily during 51 menstrual cycles using an homologous human radioimmunoassay for 17 cycles and an homologous ovine radioimmunoassay for 34 cycles. There was a progressive and significant increase in serum prolactin during the late follicular phase, with a maximal value concomitant to the LH peak. Serum prolactin levels were also significantly higher during the luteal phase than during early follicular phase. In some 70% of the individual cycles, the highest serum prolactin level was found at mid-cycle. Similar patterns were obtained with both radioimmunoassays. However, when using the same laboratory serum standard, the average serum prolactin level calculated for the entire cycle was 1.6 times higher with the homologous ovine assay than with the homologous human assay. The overall pattern of serum prolactin during the menstrual cycle resembles that reported for circulating 17beta-estradiol.


Display reinforcement in the Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens: aggressive motivation or curiosity? Fish were tested in a runway T-maze apparatus. The experiments compared performance (measured by swimming speed and percent choice correct) to a variety of stimuli in the goal box. The stimulus that evoked the most vigorous aggressive display (a live conspecific) supported the highest level of performance; a stimulus that evoked no display (a marble) failed to sustain operant behavior. Stimuli that induced some aggression, but also some escape (live nondisplaying fish), supported performance at reduced levels. These results implicate aggression and not curiosity as the primary motivating factor. They also show that the responsiveness of the stimulus is a critical aspect of reinforcement and that the level of performance is determined by escape tendencies as well as aggression. It is proposed that failure of a stimulus to provide appropriate feedback constitutes an aversive event.


Mouse aggression and the intruder-familiarity effect: evidence for multiple-factor determination c57bl. Male house mice attack their familiar cagemates less than novel intruders-an effect often attributed to habituation of aggression toward odors emanating from the cagemate. This interpretation is overly simplistic in that the effects of familiarizing preexposure depend additionally upon two factors. One factor is the aggression-inhibiting odors emanating from the test male that are deposited onto the cagemate by cohabitation. Supporting evidence is that attack inhibition to the cagemate failed to generalize to noncohabiting same-strain intruders and that eliminating physical contact between subject and cagemate during preexposure prevented the usual postexposure decline in aggression. The second factor is nonolfactory social stimuli emanating from the cagemate during aggressive encounters. The same intruder odors that elicited aggression when placed on a socially active mouse elicited only investigation when placed on models. When subjects were preexposed to an intruder's odor while prevented from socially interacting with the intruder, this investigation subsequently declined while aggression paradoxically increased.


Maternal age and male behavior in relation to successful reproduction by female rats (Rattus norvegicus). This research demonstrated that multiple ejaculatory series may be critically important for successful reproduction by multiparous old females near the end of their active reproductive lives. Multiple series were essential for successful pregnancy, apparently because more than one series was necessary to induce functional luteal activity. Thus, (a) females receiving just one series failed to show the cessation of regular estrous cycles which characteristically follows induction of a functional luteal phase; (b) direct measurement of plasma progestins by radioimmunoassay revealed that only those females receiving more than one series had circulating levels significantly higher than unmated, normally cycling controls; and (c) administration of exogenous progesterone increased significantly the incidence of successful pregnancy among females allowed to mate through only one series. In addition to facilitating the occurrence of pregnancy, multiple series also increased both the number of eggs released at ovulation and the number of embryos present and developing 12 days later. It is concluded that multiple series may function as a behavioral mechanism for prolonging the female's active reproductive life.


Suppression of VMH-lesion-induced reactivity and aggressiveness in the rat by stimulation of lateral septum, but not medial septum or cingulate cortex. Animals made vicious with bilateral ventromedial hypothalamic lesions had bipolar electrodes implanted unilaterally in the lateral septum, medial septum, or cingulate cortex. Four days later, the animals' reactivity and aggressiveness were evaluated 5 min before, during, and 5 min after stimulation at 20 micronA (60 Hz, sine wave). Lateral septal stimulation suppressed reactivity and aggressiveness by almost 80% compared with pre- and poststimulation levels. Stimulation of neither the cingulate cortex nor the medial septum produced a change reliably different from that seen in unstimulated control animals. Further tests with stimulation of the lateral septum at the 20-micronA level showed that neither rewarding self-stimulation nor disruption of ongoing water drinking was produced. These results are congruent with evidence from lesion studies that the lateral septum normally acts to suppress reactivity and aggressiveness in the rat; they do not support previous suggestions that the medial septum is involved in the modulation of these behaviors.


Effects of olfactory bulbectomy on social behavior of male guinea pigs (Cavia procellus). Effects of olfactory bulbectomy on social behavior in male guinea pigs were studied. Both brief-exposure pairing techniques and a group-living observation period were employed to test for disruption. During short-term testing sessions bulbectomized animals courted females less than but mounted them as frequently as control subjects. While the groups did not differ in fighting behavior during short-term tests, control subjects scent-marked more frequently. Subsequently, animals were observed as same-treatment pairs living continuously with females, and behavior was sampled over a 3-wk period. Under these conditions bulbectomized males, unlike controls, failed to form dominance orders, exhibited virtually no intermale aggressive activity, had markedly depressed sexual activity, and scent-marked rarely. It is concluded that olfactory bulbectomy profoundly alters the behavior of male domestic guinea pigs and that hose alterations are most evident when experimental subjects are observed in a species-typical group-living environment.


Somatic and autonomic indexes of recovery from electroconvulsive shock-induced amnesia in rats. Autonomic response indexes of experimental amnesia have recently been found to have higher electroconvulsive shock (ECS) intensity thresholds and steeper retrograde gradients than have traditional somatic indexes. The present studies examined the hypothesis that recovery from somatically indexed experimental amnesia depends upon the existence of autonomically available residual memory. In a between-subjects design, a 200-mA ECS was used to produce amnesia for a tone-footshock pairing as indicated by lick suppression, defection, and bradycardia. The next day, these amnesic animals received a reminder footshock outside of the training apparatus, which was found to restore memory on a test trial 24 hr later. The behavior of control groups indicated that this reminder effect was due to the restoration of specific memory rather than systemic consequences of treatment. With a within-subjects design, a second experiment obtained a reminder effect in animals individually shown to be "fully" amnesic by all three response indexes monitored. A third experiment varied the intensity of the reminder footshock and revealed that the different memory indexes examined do not have reminder-footshock thresholds inversely related to their initial resistance to amnesia. The results support a retrieval-failure view of experimental amnesia and suggest that the same fundamental physiological processes underlie both autonomically indexed memory and somatically indexed memory.


Studies on milk yield and composition of the West African dwarf goat in Nigeria. Six adult West African dwarf does, about 2 1/2 years old and weighing from 24 to 29 kg, were kept for 18 weeks/lactation, and for 2 lactation periods in all. During these periods the does were hand-milked twice daily and the daily samples were bulked for each animal for subsequent analysis. Milk yields for the period were low. Colostrum was characterized by a high content of total solids of 19-2%, fat 8-3%, total protein 5-1% and a gross energy of 517 kJ/100 g milk, but a low lactose content of 4-9%. The composition tended to approach that of mature goat milk between the second and third d after parturition. The mature goat's milk contained higher mean percentages of fat (6-9) and lactose (6-3) than any temperate breeds of goats and indigenous dairy cattle, but their protein (3-9%) and total ash (0-8%) contents were comparable with any temperate breeds of goats. The percentage protein, lactose, fat and total solids declined slightly with advance in lactation and there was a steady fall in milk yield which was statistically significant (P less than 0-01).


Psychologic and behavioral assessment of geriatric patients: a review. A review of the literature and a study conducted at a state hospital indicated that valid psychologic test results on geriatric patients are often difficult to obtain. Reasons most frequently offered by psychometricians for inconclusive or incomplete findings were the patient's uncooperativeness, unavailability, or severity of physical/mental dysfunction. A need was apparent for alternate assessment instruments for measuring current and potential levels of functioning in the elderly. In the investigation, attention was focused on the following areas: 1) studies in which the more traditional measurements were used, 2) articles stressing the need for caution in using the traditional techniques, and 3) studies in which behavioral rating scales and checklists were used as the evaluative devices. A large number of checklists and behavioral rating scales were found to be relevant and applicable to an institutional setting. Five were selected and are reviewed in depth.


[Unsaponifiable fractions of the avocado and soy bean in gyneocology]. The experimental work of Robert on the action of the unsaponifiable fractions of the avocado pear and soya bean on inflammatory granulomata of the rat gives rise to the supposition that these have a selective action on inflamed connective tissue by a process of katabolism of collagen through proteolytic enzymes. We have used this anti-inflammatory and collagenolytic action in gynaecology, with favourable results particularly in post-inflammatory and post-infective conditions as well as scarring in the pelvis. The decongesting action of the unsaponifiables of the avocado pear and the soya bean seems also to have a role to play in cellular tissue reactions in the pelvis after cobalt therapy, and in recent retractile scars and in breast inflammations, as well as to prevent scar reactions after operations. Since treatment has to be for a long time and well tolerated, the blood lipids should be estimated as a safety measure. If this is done the unsaponifiables seem to  have a place in the treatment of inflammatory conditions in gynaecology.


On the origin of urinary fibrin-fibrinogen-related antigen in glomerulonephritis. A model of antiglomerular basement membrane nephritis in the rat was used to elucidate the origin of urinary fibrin-fibrinogen-related antigen (FRA). The intrarenal distribution and excretion of 125I-rat fibrinogen was examined to determine whether there was increased filtration of bibrinogen or fibrin degradation products (FDP) or lysis of intraglomerular fibrin. 125I-protein appeared in the urine immediately after injection of 125I-fibrinogen and fell in parallel with the fall in plasma 125I-fibrinogen. Renal retention of 125I-fibrin averaged less than 0.2 percent of the administered dose of 125I-fibrinogen. The infusion of epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) had no significant effect on either FRA excretion or 125I-protein excretion. Plasma FDP levels and the elution patteren of 125I-protein from the urine were not significantly changed by EACA infusion. These observations support the view that ruinary FRA excretion in glomerulonephritis is derived predominantly from increased filtration of plasma fibrinogen rather than from breakdown of intraglomerular fibrin.


Simultaneous infusion of prostaglandin E2 antagonizes the luteolytic action of prostaglandin F2alpha in vivo. Corpora lutea of ewes bearing ovarian autotransplants were infused for 4 h with prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) (10 microng/h), PGF2alpha+PGE2 (10microng/h of each), PGE2 (10 microng/h) or saline on day 10 of the cycle. Ovarian venous blood obtained before, during, and up to 12 h after the infusion period, was assayed for progesterone. Prostaglandin F2alpha produced an immediate, rapid and sustained decline in progesterone secretion, but infusion of PGE2 together with PGF2alpha prevented the decline until after the infusion. Progesterone secretion was unaffected by infusion of PGE2 alone. Oestrous behaviour was observed in four out of seven animals infused with PGF2alpha but in only one out of six infused with PGF2Alpha+PGE2. None of the animals infused with PGE2 alone or saline only came into heat.


Exogenous progesterone: influence on ovulation and hormone levels in the cyclic hamster. The oestrous cycle of the hamster is lengthened by 2 to 3 days when 2-5 or 5-0 mg progesterone are injected on day 1 of the cycle (day of ovulation). Antral follicles develop on day 2 but their growth is significantly retarded in progesterone-treated hamsters. Administration of progesterone is followed within 6 h by an abrupt decline in serum FSH and LH concentration but by day 3 the level of FSH is higher than normal. Serum LH is slower to recover in hamsters receiving 5 mg progesterone but normal levels are also restored by days 3 or 4. Increased serum levels of progesterone are maintained until days 3-5 in animals injected with progesterone. Despite the presence of antral follicles on day 2 and the fairly prompt restoration of normal levels of gonadotrophins, the serum concentration of oestradiol is suppressed for several days in the progesterone-treated hamster. This suggests that progesterone, in addition to affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary system, may also directly inhibit oestrogen secretion by the antral follicles.


Glycosyltransferase and UDP-galactose pyrophosphatase activities in the endometrium during oestrous cycle of the rat. UDP-galactose: glycoprotein galactosyltransferase, CMP-sialic acid: glycoprotein sialyltransferase and UDP-galactose pyrophosphatase activities were measured in the endometrium of rat uteri during the oestrous cycle. The galactosyltransferase activity started to increase at dioestrus and reached a maximum on the afternoon of pro-estrus. The UDP-galactose pyrophosphatase activity changed in a direction opposite to that of galactosyltransferase. The sialyltransferase activity was low during metoestrus and dioestrus, but began to rise on the morning of pro-oestrus, reaching a peak on the morning of oestrus. Previously, we have shown that oestradiol administration stimulated galactosyl- and sialyltransferase and inhibited pyrophosphatase activities several-fold in the endometrium of ovariectomized rats. Progesterone prevented the oestradiol effect on the enzymes. The changes in glycosyltransferase and pyrophosphatase activities during the oestrous cycle possibly bear a direct relationship to the ovarian hormones in the rat during the normal oestrous cycle. This relationship will then be conducive to increased synthesis of glycopolymers during ovulation. Furthermore, the lag of 18 h for a maximal rise of sialyltransferase following that of galactosyltransferase is consistent with the normal sequence of glycosylation that occurs in glycoprotein secretion.


A possible interrelationship between gonadotrophin stimulation and prostaglandin F2alpha inhibition of steroidogenesis by granulosa-luteal cells in vitro. The newly formed corpus luteum of many species is refractory to the lytic action of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha). This phenomenon was studied utilizing porcine, bovine and human granulosa-luteal cells in tissue culture. The steroidogenic potential of the granulosa-luteal cells was critical in determining whether PGF2alpha could inhibit progesterone production. Since the steroidogenic potential of the granulosa-luteal cell is related to the amount of LH bound to the cell, the bound LH may protect the granulosa-luteal cells from the lytic action of PGF2alpha. Finally, a 'see-saw' type of interaction between LH and PGF2alpha is postulated to account for the resistance of the newly formed corpus luteum to PGF2alpha.


Hormone receptor levels and hormone, RNA and protein metabolism in the genital tract during the oestrous cycle of the ewe. The concentrations of soluble oestradiol and progesterone receptor proteins and several metabolic activities were measured in the genital tracts of ewes killed on Days 0 (oestrus), 2, 5, 10 or 14 of the oestrous cycle. In caruncular endometrium and in whole uterus the concentrations of oestradiol receptor (pmol steroid bound/mg tissue DNA) were highest at oestrus and declined steadily thereafter to minimal values at Day 14. The concentrations of progesterone receptor were highest on Days 0-5, then declined to low levels on Day 10-14. There was little metabolism of either [3H]oestradiol or [3H]progesterone in minces of whole uterus and with either steroid the pattern of metabolism did not change at any stage of the cycle. The in-vivo rates of synthesis of protein in caruncular endometrium and in isthmic oviduct were highest at or shortly after oestrus (Days 0-2), then declined to low levels on Days 10-14. RNA:DNA ratios in these two tissues were also greatest at oestrus and subsequently fell to minimal values by Day 14. The results are discussed in relation to ovarian secretion of oestradiol and progesterone during the oestrous cycle of the ewe.


A method for enucleating oocytes of Xenopus laevis. A method is described for the enucleation and complete healing of Xenopus oocytes so that the enucleated oocytes withstand multiple injections and culture for several days. The oocytes are defolliculated and enucleated manually and allowed to heal in a potassium phosphate buffer. Oocytes enucleated in this way support RNA synthesis by injected HeLa-cell nuclei 3 days later. This method is valuable in providing a low-background system in which transcription of injected nuclei can be studied.


The effects of ascorbic acid deficiency on collagen synthesis by mouse molar tooth germs in organ culture. Second molar tooth germs from 2-day-old Swiss-Webster mice, grown in organ culture for 7 days in ascorbic-acid-deficient medium, synthesized about 65% as much protein (measured by incorporation of [14C]proline during a 24-h pulse) as did ascorbic-acid-supplemented controls. The newly synthesized proteins from ascorbic-acid-deficient cultures contained only about 7% of the hydroxyproline content of the controls. Collagenase digestion of the newly synthesized proteins showed that collagen comprised the same fraction of the total protein synthesized under both culture conditions. This result indicates that the ascorbate-deficient cultures made significant quantities of underhydroxylated collagen. Partial characterization of the collagen alpha chains on carboxymethyl cellulose columns showed an alpha1/alpha2 ratio of about 5, suggesting that at least two different species of collagen were synthesized. The alpha1/alpha2 ratio of the chains recovered from the ascorbate-deficient cultures was also about 5 but the chains were slightly underhydroxylated and the total amount of these chains which could be identified accounted for only a small fraction of the total collagen which was synthesized. A large fraction of the synthesized collagenous protein was found in the culture medium, mostly in the form of lower molecular weight peptides. It is concluded that most of the collagen which is synthesized by ascorbate-deficient tooth-bud cultures is not utilized by the component tissues, but is probably degraded and released into the medium.


Effects of extremely low osmolarity on fertilized mouse eggs. When fertilized one-cell eggs are subjected to distilled water treatment for 2-6 min, cytoplasm bulges through the sperm-slit in the zona pellucida and forms a cytoplasmic fragment (CF). CFs were observed in 86-5% of eggs; in 20-9% of cases CFs contained a pronucleus (or pronuclei). In 53-4% of eggs permanent incorporation of the second polar body (2 P.B.) into the egg cytoplasm occurred. These phenomena occurring in different combinations produced 6-2% of haploid eggs, 10-3% of diploid eggs with a pronucleus replaced by 2 P.B. nucleus, and 43-1% of triploid eggs. 4-4% of eggs were enucleated. The remaining group comprised diploid eggs which were either not affected by the treatment (6-4%) or lost a certain amount of cytoplasm by formation of an anucleate CF (29-6%). The frequencies of the types of reaction were related to the post-fertilization stage of eggs. All eggs except the enucleated ones were able to develop to the stage of morula or blastocyst. Triploids developed until the 12th day of pregnancy and diploids that had lost up to 15% of the cytoplasm developed to term. There was a twofold reduction in the percentage of preimplantation development when treated eggs originated from induced rather than spontaneous ovulation.


Taste aversions conditioned by the aversiveness of insulin and formalin: role of CS specificity. Experimenters in the past have reported that when insulin is used as the unconditioned stimulus (US), rats will learn an aversion to a sodium chloride but not a sucrose solution, whereas with formalin as the US, they will learn an aversion to a sucrose but not a saline solution. The present experiments failed to confirm these findings. Aversions to sucrose were conditioned with insulin and aversions to sodium chloride were conditioned with formalin. The use of a more concentrated sucrose solution in the present study may have been responsible for the successful sucrose-aversion conditioning with insulin. Although the source of the discrepancy in findings concerning aversion conditioning with formalin remains unclear, experiments ruled out numerous possibilities. These experiments also showed that sodium chloride aversion conditioning with formalin is a highly robust phenomenon that occurs with a variety of conditioned stimulus durations and formalin doses, with distributed and massed training, in male and female rats, and even if saline is not the only novel solution presented during conditioning. Furthermore, the aversion can be detected with both single-stimulus and choice test procedures.


Replication of equine herpesvirus type 3: kinetics of infectious particle formation and virus nucleic acid synthesis. The kinetics of equine herpesvirus type 3 (EHV-3) multiplication and of the synthesis of EHV-3 specific DNA and RNA were investigated. A one-step growth curve of EHV-3 in equine epithelial cells from a transitional cell carcinoma was characterized by: (1) a short eclipse period (4 h); (2) an exponential increase in infectious virus between 5 and 10 h post-inoculation; and (3) a slow, inefficient release of newly formed virus into the extracellular fluid. Two hours after infection of cells with EHV-3, the rates of incorporation of specific precursors into total cell RNA or DNA were reduced to 30% and 10%, respectively, of that seen in uninfected cells. With the aid of DNA-RNA hybridization and caesium chloride isopycnic centrifugation techniques, the rates of synthesis of EHV-3 specific nucleic acids at different stages of the virus replication cycle were determined. Virus RNA and DNA synthesis was detectable 2 h after infection and reached maximum levels at an interval (4 to 7 h post-inoculation) corresponding to that period of the virus replication cycle just preceding the time of maximal synthesis of infectious virus.


Studies on the inhibitory effect of lectins on myxo-virus release. Lectins of different specificities do not interfere with the maturation of myxo-viruses; their inhibitory effect on virus replication is mainly due to prevention of the detachment of infectious virus particles from the host cell. In chick embryo fibroblasts infected with an influenza virus and treated with concanavalin A, budding occurs into intracytoplasmic vacuoles, but this phenomenon is not observed with a parainfluenza virus and with different cells.


Plasma tryptophan levels and brain serotonin metabolism in chronically uremic rats. Plasma tryptophan (Trp) levels and brain concentrations of Trp, serotonin, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured in chronically uremic rats fed either 11% or 18% casein diets for 8 to 12 weeks. Uremic rats had increased levels of plasma urea nitrogen and 5-HIAA when compared with sham-operated pair-fed controls. The level of plasma total Trp decreased in both uremic groups and the level of plasma free Trp increased only in those fed an 11% casein diet. Uremic rats fed 11% casein had a higher level of plasma free Trp than those fed 18% casein. The ratio of plasma total Trp to the sum of five amino acids competing for the blood-brain transport system was decreased in both uremic groups, and the ratio of plasma free Trp to the same amino acids was increased only in uremic rats fed 11% casein. The concentration of brain 5-HIAA increased in uremic rats fed 11% casein, and that of Trp and serotonin decreased in uremic rats fed 18% casein. These results indicate that uremic stress and changes in protein intake in chronic uremia alter plasma Trp levels and brain serotonin metabolism.


Galactorrhea in a 12-year-old boy with a chromophobe adenoma. A 12-year-old with galactorrhea is presented. He was in early puberty, had gynecomastia, and was markedly obese. Roentgenograms of the skull showed an asymmetrically enlarged sella trucica, but pneumoencephalography did not indicate suprasellar extension of the pituitary tumor. Preoperative studies of anterior pituitary function were normal except for persistent hyperprolactinemia. By transsphenoidal approach, a microadenoma of the pituitary was removed. Lactation ceased within a week, and four months postoperatively the patient had normal anterior pituitary function studies. A review of the literature indicates that galactorrhea in males is very rare. The most frequently documented cause, excluding drug ingestion, is a pituitary tumor.


Clinical pharmacology of methicillin in neonates. The pharmacokinetic properties of methicillin were investigated in 59 newborn infants. Concentrations of methicillin in serum were approximately 58 and 80 microng/ml at one hour after 25 and 50 mg/kg doses, respectively. The average serum half-life values ranged from one to three hours and were inversely correlated with birth weight and chronologic age. The half-life values, volumes of distribution, and plasma clearances of methicillin are shown in relationship to gestational age and chronologic age. A dosage of 25 mg/kg is recommended for therapy of most neonatal staphylococcal diseases; the frequency of administration is altered on the basis of birth weight and chronologic age.


Experimental infection of bovines with oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii. Calves aged 3 months were readily infected with oocysts and cysts of Toxoplasma gondii administered by oral route. Fever, respiratory distress, nasal discharge and hyperemia of the conjunctivas were the most significant clinical signs noted in the infected animals. Parasitemia was demonstrated in all infected calves. It occurred on different days and up to 62 days after the infection. Toxoplasma was demonstrated in tissues of all infected calves, and the organ most frequently parasitized was the lymph node. Parasitism of the retina was demonstrated in two calves. All infected animals had antibody against T. gondii in their serum. The Sabin-Feldman dye test and the indirect immunofluorescent test were both useful in detecting antitoxoplasma antibody.


Chemical attraction between adults of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis: description of the phenomenon and effects of host immunity. Attraction between adults of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis was studied both in vivo and in vitro particularly with regard to the effects of host immunity on the behavior of the parasite. Most worms were found in clusters in the intestines of larval-infected rats but the number of isolated worms, particularly females, was greater in 14-day (immune) than in 7-day infected (nonimmune) hosts. Intubation of small numbers of normal adults into uninfected rats resulted in recovery of mostly aggregated worms unless infections consisted only of males. In contrast, immune-damaged worms exhibited little aggregation regardless of the sexes of worms instilled. Analysis of pairing between worms in vitro indicated that attraction occurred in the absence of host factors between all permutations of normal worms except male-male combinations. Pairing between damaged worms occurred only between males and females and not between worms of the same sex. Attraction to worm excretory and secretory products (ES) indicated that chemical factors mediated pairing. Normal female ES was attractive to both sexes whereas damaged female ES failed to attract either sex. ES from both normal and damaged males attracted females but not males thereby confirming the results of other experiments.


Sexual attraction and pheromonal dosage response of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. Seven-day-old male and female Nippostrongylus brasiliensis exhibit mutual heterosexual attraction in vitro. A strong dosage-dependency to female pheromone was present in responding male N. brasiliensis. Male helminths were significantly attracted to as few as three female worms. Female helminths were less responsive to male pheromone dosage in vitro. No indication of male homosexual attraction, arrestment, or repulsion was evident. Female homosexual trials suggested that an inhibition of movement occurred in the responding female helminths.


A guide to research on the Rorschach prognostic rating scale. Research on the Rorschach Prognostic Rating Scale done in the last 25 years is summarized. The study results are organized into six topics: ability to predict outcome, numerical correlations, populations differentiated, populations not differentiated, specific therapies. The scale significantly predicts outcome and is thereby a valuable prognostic instrument.


Radioimmunoassay of indomethacin in biological fluids. A radioimmunoassay was developed for the determination of indomethacin in biological fluids at concentrations as low as 50 ng/ml. Antibodies were produced in rabbits immunized with a conjugate of bovine serum albumin and indomethacin. This conjugate was prepared by an N-hydroxysuccinimide active ester procedure. Antiserums exhibited minimal cross-reactivity with the O-desmethyl and deschlorobenzoyl metabolites. However, the glucuronide conjugate was about three times as reactive as indomethacin, thus invalidating direct determinations of indomethacin in urine. This difficulty was circumvented by analyzing urine aliquots before and after conjugate hydrolysis. Concentrations of free and conjugated indomethacin were calculated by difference.


Comparison of the effects of morphine on locomotor activity, analgesia and primary and protracted physical dependence in six mouse strains. Mice of the DBA/2J, A/J, C3H, C57BL/L, ICR and Swiss strains were studied with respect to acute and chronic morphine administration. The acute administration of morphine resulted in a dose-dependent running response in C57BL/6, C3H, ICR and Swiss strains, but no running response in DBA/2J and A/J strains. Strain differences in sensitivity to morphine-induced running activity did not parallel differences in sensitivity to morphine-induced running activity did not parallel differences in sensitivity to antinociception in the abdominal constriction test (r = 0.404), but significantly correlated with differences in the expression of physical dependence as measured by either precipitated (r = 0.957) or abrupt (r = 0.927) withdrawal jumping behavior in mice made dependent by morphine pellent implantation. Mortality for 3 days of pellet implantation ranged from 5% in ICR mice to 84% in A/J mice. Strain differences in degree of initial physical dependence. These results suggest the possibility that the running response and withdrawal jumping may involve at least part of the same neuronal pathway. This pathway may include dopamine-containing neurons which terminate in the neostriatum.


Hysterography and Hysteroscopy in the infertile patient. Hysterography and hysteroscopy are diagnostic techniques currently utilized in searching for intrauterine defects that can cause infertility. The purpose of this paper is to describe the basic procedures, discuss their indications and compare results obtained in the infertile patient.


The effect of the nitroimidazole drug dimetridazole on microaerophilic campylobacters. Dimetridazole, a nitroimidazole drug reported to act only on obligately anaerobic micro-organisms, is widely used for the prevention and treatment of swine dysentery. Forty-four strains of the microaerophilic bacterium Campylobacter coli isolated from either healthy or diseased pigs, and a strain of Campylobacter fetus, were all sensitive to dimetridazole. The sensitivities (minimal inhibitory concentration less than 10 microng per ml) were similar to those of anaerobic bacteria. Dimetridazole inhibited growth of campylobacters in a shaken culture in air, but did not inhibit uptake of oxygen. Inhibition of growth appeared to result from an inhibition of nucleic-acid synthesis and does not seem to depend upon interference with electron transport in the catabolism of pyruvate.


A suggested schema for utilization review for a Community Mental Health Center. Three record-keeping models were examined by an interdisciplinary committee at the Rochester Mental Health Center to see which would best meet the needs for a standardized record format that could be used by an outpatient comprehensive community mental health center. The systems examined were: (1) Model Criteria Set, (2) Problem Oriented Record, and (3) a Combination Diagnosis and Standardized Problem List. A modification of the Combination System used at the Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital was developed. Using this tool, an audit committee began the process of Utilization Review. It is a suggested schema to other outpatient mental health centers who are in the process of developing a utilization review process.


Rabies virus protein synthesis in infected BHK-21 cells. Rabies virus specific polypeptide synthesis was examined under hypertonic conditions, which selectively inhibit cellular protein synthesis. The rabies virus proteins (L, G, N, M1, M2) were synthesized throughout the course of infection, with little change in their relative rates of synthesis. The rates of synthesis of the G and M1 polypeptides were more sensitive to increasing osmolarity than those of the L, N, and M2 polypeptides. Extrapolation to isotonicity of the results obtained under hypertonic conditions indicated that the molar ratios of the polypeptides synthesized under normal conditions were 0.4 (L), 64 (G), 100 (N), 75 (M1) and 35 (M2). A high-molecular-weight polypeptide (190,000), designated polypeptide L, was repeatedly detected both in infected cells and in extracellular virus. The estimated number of L polypeptide molecules per virion was 33. The synthesis of a viral glycoprotein precursor, designated gp78, , preceded the appearance of the mature viral glycoprotein in infected cells labeled with [3H]glucosamine under isotonic conditions. In cells labeled under hypertonic conditions, little or no mature viral glycoprotein was detected, but a virus-specific glycoprotein with an electrophoretic mobility similar to that of gp78 was observed. This glycoprotein could be chased into mature viral glycoprotein when the hypertonic conditions were made isotonic. These results suggest that a reversible block of viral glycoprotein synthesis occurs under hypertonic conditions.


Control of protein synthesis in Semliki forest virus-infected cells. Protein synthesis in Semliki forest virus-infected chicken embryo cells was studied by labeling them with [35S]methionine for short periods at different times after infection, with or without synchronization of protein synthesis by the hypertonic block technique. The rate of host-cell protein synthesis declined almost linearly in inverse correlation to the increase in the amount of virus specific RNA. At 5.5 h postinfection, the host-cell protein synthesis was reduced by about 70%. The viral structural proteins were detectable with certainty at 3.5 h postinfection, and their rate of synthesis increased linearly parallel to the amount of their messenger, the 26S RNA. This suggests that the rate of synthesis of the structural proteins is controlled at the level of transcription. The rate of synthesis of the virus-specific nonstructural proteins attained its maximum between 3 and 4 h postinfection and declined thereafter, wheras the amount of their messenger, the 42S RNA, continued to increase linearly in the cells. Thus, the messenger activity of the 42S RNA is reduced in the late phase of infection compared with its activity in the early phase.


Biophysical studies of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus. The molecular weight of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) has been determined by analytical ultracentrifugation and dynamic light scattering. The sedimentation coefficient of the virus was found to be 435S. The average value for molecular weight is (55 +/- 7) x 106. The virus genome consists of two segments of double-stranded RNA (molecular weights, 2.5 x 106 and 2.3 x 106), which represents 8.7% of the virion mass. The capsid protein moiety of IPNV consists of four species of polypeptides, as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The number of molecules of each polypeptide in the virion has been determined. There are 22 molecules of the internal polypeptide alpha (molecular weight, 90,000), 544 molecules of the outer capsid polypeptide beta (molecular weight, 57,000), and 550 and 122 molecules, respectively, of the internal polypeptides gamma1 (molecular weight, 29,000) and gamma2 (molecular weight, 27,000). IPNV top component contains only the beta polypeptide species, and its molecular weight is estimated to be 31 x 106. The hydrodynamic diameter and electron microscopic diameter (calculated by catalase crystal-calibrated electron microscopy) of IPNV was compared with those of reovirus and encephalomyocarditis virus. Due to the swelling of the outer capsid, reovirus particles were found to be much larger when hydrated (96-nm diameter) than when dehydrated (76-nm diameter), having a large water content content and low average density. In contrast, IPNV particles are more rigid, having nearly the same average diameter under hydrous (64 nm) as under anhydrous conditions (59.3 nm). Encephalomyocarditis virus has a very low water content and does not shrink at all when prepared for electron microscopy.


Autoradiographic method for detection of lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus-infected cells in primary mouse macrophage cultures. Peritoneal cells from starch-injected Swiss mice were propagated in plastic petri dishes and on cover slips in a mouse L-cell-conditioned medium for 12 to 24 h and then infected with various multiplicities of lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus (LDV). Over 95% of the cells in these cultures phagocytosed latex particles and were, therefore, considered macrophages. Infected and mock infected macrophage cultures were supplemented with [3H]uridine at various times after infection and with actinomycin D 30 min before addition of the [3H]uridine. After 1 or 2 h of further incubation, plate cultures were analyzed for LDV-specific RNA, and cover slip cultures were investigated by autoradiography. Other cultures were labeled in the absence of actinomycin D, and the culture fluid was analyzed for labeled LDV. There was a good correlation between the production of LDV-specific RNA and LDV and the number of heavily labeled cells in these cultures. The labeled cells in these cultures. The labeled cells, therefore, were equated with productively infected cells. Only a maximum of about 20% of the macrophages, however, became heavily labeled regardless of the multiplicity of infection or the time, after infection, at which the cells were exposed to [3H]uridine. Only background labeling was observed in the remainder of the cells and in mock-infected cells treated with actinomycin D. The highest proportion of labeled cells was observed when the cells were infected with a multiplicity of infection of about 2,000 mouse infectious units per cell and labeled from 6 to 8 h after infection. Thereafter, the proportion of productively infected cells decreased progressively, concomitant with a decrease in the amounts of viral specific RNA and of LDV produced by the cultures. The results indicate that the majority of the macrophages in primary macrophage cultures do not support LDV replication. Their nonpermissiveness may depend on the physiological state of the cells or reflect the presence of subpopulations of macrophages, but no morphological differences between productively infected an uninfected cells were detectable.


The clinical utility of plasma and urinary carcinoembryonic antigen in patients with genitourinary disease. Carcinoembryonic antigen was measured in the urine and plasma of 108 patients with several types and various stages of genitourinary cancer. The value of the carcinoembryonic antigen assay as an early indicator of neoplastic disease was evaluated and a correlation was made between the extent of disease and the concentration of urinary and plasma carcinoembryonic antigen. Patients were classified according to stage of tumor involvement as follows: no evidence of disease, non-malignant disease, non-invasive disease, no known metastasis, regional metastasis and disseminated metastasis. The urinary carcinoembryonic antigen levels more closely paralleled the extent of disease than did the plasma carcinoembryonic antigen levels in patients with bladder cancer. Neither urinary nor plasma carcinoembryonic antigen levels were useful in assessing the extent of disease in patients with prostatic or testicular cancer. Studies related to microbiological interference in the carcinoembryonic antigen assay indicated that bacterial counts up to 10(5) organisms per ml. did not interfere. Cytological studies indicated that the presence of white blood cells, atypical cells and malignant cells could result in elevated urinary carcinoembryonic antigen levels.


Carbon dioxide urethral pressure profilometry before and after external sphincterotomy in spinal cord injury patients. Seven spinal cord injury patients were studied before and after transurethral external sphincterotomy with combined electromyographic and gas urethral pressure profilometry. The technique was simple, rapid, accurate and reproducible in evaluating the completeness of external sphicterotomy. A significant reduction in maximum urethral closure pressure, as well as in the residual urine volume, was a consistent after spincterotomy. The electromyographic profile showed evidence of periurethral striated muscle activity preoperatively in 2 patients with lower motor neuron lesions in whom the bulbocavernosus reflex could not be elicited. Thus, absence of the bulbocavernosus reflex did not eliminate sphincter reflex activity.


[Treatment of obstruction of retinal vessels (author's transl)]. The treatment of retinal thrombosis is an unresolved problem, mainly because of the numerous factors which participate in their formation; modifications in the walls of veins and arteries, external compressions, changes in the blood count--particularly of the platelets--slowing down of the blood flow, increase in blood viscosity etc. No drug provides constant results. Some widely employed drugs such as vasodilators may be useless or even contra-indicated. Emphasis is placed on anti-coagulants, fibrinolytics, antiaggregating agents and methods of lowering blood viscosity. Their action is difficult to test objectively. Some do appear to be useful, especially in cases of central vein thrombosis. Thrombi of branches of the central vein are apparently inacessible to medical therapy, but occasionally improvement is seen after laser coagulation. This seems to apply also to hemorrhagic glaucoma secondary to retinal obstruction.


[Physical and biological effects of laser radiation (author's transl)]. A survey on the present concepts about the physics of laser radiation and its effects upon biological structures is presented. An approach has been chosen which also considers the influence of quantities such as bean geometry, heat conduction and absorption upon the lesions produced. Finally the physical and biological effects of short-pulse, high power density laser pulses are described.


[Biological effect of laser-photo-coagulation on the retina (author's transl)]. The effects of laser-photo-coagulation on retina, pigment epithelium and choroid has been studied in animals (rabbit and mini-pig). During the first two hours after photocoagulation the permeability of the blood-retinal barrier and of the pigment epithelium is temporarily increased. Later on (2-4 days) pigment epithelial cells proliferate within the coagulated areas and "tighten" the epithelial leaks. Photoreceptor outer segments undergo during the same period reversible breakdown. Normal retinal blood vessels are hardly altered by photocoagulation whereas pathological or neoformed vessels may be obliterated. Functional deficiences are observed after extensive photocoagulations only and even then rarely implicated by the patients.


[Laser-therapy (author's transl)].

[Laser-therapy (author's transl)]. The chairman of this roundtable discussion summarizes the topics of the session. As an introduction the advantages and disadvantages of Laser coagulation versus Xenon coagulation are discussed. Several diseases are analysed mainly with respect to indications or contraindications for Laser coagulation: prophylactic treatment of retinal detachment, dry senile maculopathies, exsudative maculopathies (central serous retinopathy, retinal pigment epithelial detachment, Fuchs myopic maculopathy, exudative senile maculopathy, Junius-Kuhnt pseudotumor), diabetic non proliferative and proflierative retinopathy.


[Cysteine--an essential amino acid? Biochemical thoughts about the position of cysteine in the metabolism of the premature neonate (author's transl)]. Liver cystathionase activity is absent in the fetal organism. This makes cysteine an essential amino acid for the prematurely born infant. The existing enzyme activity is shifting serine into DNA-synthesis. The placental transfer of cysteine from the mother to the fetus is decreased in comparison to other amino acids. A low fetal cysteine level is giving the shift to DNA-synthesis a further stimulation.


[Acrocephalopolysyndactyly (type II (McKusick) acrocephalosyndactyly or Carpenter's syndrome. Report on 4 cases and an observation of the syndrome of Marshall-Smith (author's transl)]. Four observations of Carpenter's Syndrome, two siblings and two unrelated children, and a case of Marshall-Smith's Syndrome are reported, all sharing duplication of the terminal phalanx of the big toe and a dyskephaly. Carpenter's Syndrome has been noted in at least 27 cases inheritance; is autosomalcessive. Main features are: oxycephaly, odd facies, brachyclinosyndactyly of the hands, polysyndactyly of the feet, cardiac malformation. The question is to be answered whether all cases are genetically identical.


[The influence of norephedrinetheophylline-noradrenalinetheophylline on the orthostatic disturbance of the circulatory regulation in children (author's transl)]. In 20 children with orthostasis syndrome of the sympathicotonic type of cardiac and circulatory parameters were studied with sphygmography according to Broemster-Ranke and the time values of cardiac action according to Blumberger for 10 minutes both in horizontal and vertical positions (reclinable tabel 65 degrees). These tests were done prior to and 30 minutes after application of 1 tablet of Akrinor and following four weeks of treatment with 1 tablet Akrinor/die. In comparison to orthostasis tests without medication we found after application of Akrinor an increase in the amplitude of blood pressure and cardiac output, a reduction of the excessive centralization together with a decrease in the resistance of the peripheral vessels. The time values, lengthened due to orthostasis, are shortened.


[Immunglobulin concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid of children. Studies regarding age dependency and changes during inflammatory disease of CNS (author's transl)]. 75 children of different age groups were examined for immunglobulin concentrations in spinal fluid. No statistical significant differences were found between the age groups a) 1 month to 1 year, b) 1 year to 5 years and c) 5 years to 12 years. The average level for IgG was 1,41 +/- 0,8 mg%, for total protein 34,8 +/- 9,6 mg%. IgA and IgM were detectable not or only in small quantities even when the spinal fluid was concentrated. Furthermore 21 children with viral and 9 with purulent meningitis and 2 with encephalitis were examined. Patients with meningitis had a distinct increase in IgG, IgA and IgM. The increase was more pronounced in purulent than in viral meningitis. Children with encephalitis had an increase of IgG and in one case an increase of IgA. Continous examination of immunglobulins in spinal fluid from a child with inoperable hydrocephalus revealed a steady increase of all 3 immunglobulins which was probably a result of elevated vascular permeability.


[Normal range of free amino acids in cerebrospinal fluid of children (author's transl)]. Free amino acids were determined quantitatively in cerebrospinal fluid of 80 boys and 69 girls (ages 1 month-14years). On the basis of the cliniclal criterions these children were considered to be ""healthy''. The total number of examined children was 2000. Cerebrospinal fluid was mixed with an equal volume of 5% sulphosalicylic acid and the amino acids were separated by ion exchange column chromatography. 1. The sexspecific investigation of the 1 month -2 years old children showed that the boys had a statistical significant hgher concentration of lysine and that no statistical significant differences existed between the groups of 2-14 years old children. 2. The age specific comparison revealed that the amino acid concentrations ofaspartic acid, citrulline, histidine, lysine, serine, threonine and tyrosine were in the cerebrospinal fluid of the younger boys statistical significant higher as compared to the older boys and that the concentration of serine in the cerebrospinal fluid of the younger girls was statistical significant higher than in the group of older girls.


[Thorax drainage with the Matthys-tube]. The Thorax-Tube according to Matthys and its successful application in 18 premature and mature newborns and older children is described. The advantages of this new device are discussed.


[The clinical data of infected umbilical sinus]. We report the case of a female baby, three months of age, with anemia of chronic infection, hematuria and umbilical sinus. The patient did survive a sepsis and the extirpation of the umbilical sinus and died in a septic shock. Diagnosis and therapy of the anomalies of the umbilicus are discussed and a possible explanation for the hematuria is presented.


[Specific points of view on the education and psychological developement in children with cystic fibrosis]. A sample of 21 parents were interviewed about the psychological development of their Cystic Fibrosis children and their way of education. Additionally 18 children - 6 to 15 years old - were examined by means of psychological tests. The results of the interviews demonstrate favourable behaviour in education, the parents being tolerant and consequent. The children were often described as reasonable and mature. There were seldom complaints about problems in education and behaviour. Some families are exercising an overprotecting way of education. The positive general impression with regard to the emotional and social develoment of these children was confirmed by the applied personality tests. Concerning the factor ""emotional stability'' there were no important statistical discreptancies to healthy children of the same age; examination phobias, aversion against school and conscious fears were found significantly more seldom in comparison to other children. It was stated, however, that aggressive emotions were inhibited. Finally there was a marked sense for responsibility beside a deficit in the development of independance.


[The frequency of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (cah) in Munich (author's transl)]. In Munich the frequency of homozygotes of CAH (with and without salt losing syndrome) in the years 1963-1972 was 1; 9831. The CAH gen frequency was 1:99 and the frequency of heterozygote carriers was 1: 50. From these observations it was concluded that the number of undiagnosed boys suffering from CAH without salt losing syndrome must be very high. Assuming a sex ration of 1:1 for the children without salt losing syndrome the frequency of homozygotes (with and without salt losing syndrome) can be calculated to 1:7520. The statistical comparison of the frequency for Munich and for Zürich (Prader 1958) does not show a significant difference.


[Pathological findings in galactosemia caused by a galactose-1-phosphaturidyltransferase defect (author's transl)]. In the past, galactosemis was considered to be one disorder; today it is subdivided into various enzymopathies. The enzymopathy occuring most frequently is the disorder with galactose-i-phosphaturidyl transferase. The morphologic equivalent of this desease was described on the basis of two letal cases involving siblings. The parents and the third child in this family (born 6 years later) showed only a 50% reduction in galactose-1-phosphaturidyltransferease activity in the erythrocytes. This was a heterozygous form of glactosemia without manifestations.


[Neonatal hypocalcemia in hyperparathyroidism of the mother (author's transl)]. Case report of a female neonate with hypocalcemia and spasms. The cause was parathyroid insufficiency due to hyperparathroidism of the mother. The hypocalcemia was treated with a massive dose of Vitamin D; this led to a sharp rise of 25-OH-vitamin D levels in serum. The mother had kidney stones. There was hypercalcemia and a raised parathormone level. Diagnosis was confirmed by surgery. An adenoma weighing 7 g was removed.


[Asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (author's transl)]. Report on a 17 months old boy with the minor form of asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy. The clinical picture is characterized by a rigid, narrow, and extended thorax and by dyspnea and tendency to develop pneumonitis during early infancy. Later on there is gradual improvement by increase of the thoracic volume. At the age of 17 months there are no more radiographic pelvic deformities which the infant had initially. Up to now the boy shows no skeletal changes of the hands, and no symptoms of renal involvement frequently developing in this disease. Since the a. th. d. is inherited by an autosoma recessive gene, the recognition also of the minor forme is important for genetic counseling. The differentiation between the a. th. d. and the chondroektodermal dysplasia Ellis-van Crefeld is discussed.


Mitral valve replacement versus reconstruction. An analysis of indications and results of mitral valve procedures in a consecutive series of 80 patients. Case histories of 80 patients undergoing mitral valve procedures over a 2 year period were analyzed to determine the preoperative and intraoperative factors favoring reconstruction. Of 34 patients undergoing valve reconstruction, 31 (90 per cent) were women, and the average age of patients undergoing reconstruction was 41 versus 51 for patients who underwent replacement. Absence of calcification on fluoroscopic study and at operation favored reconstruction, as did the finding of good leaflet mobility by preoperative echocardiograms and operative assessment. Pure lesions, i.e., stenosis or insufficiency, favored reconstruction. In this regard, the use of new annuloplasty techniques has facilitated the surgeon's ability to reconstruct regurgitant mitral valves. No operative deaths and excellent functional and clinical results obtained in 80 per cent of patients undergoing mitral reconstruction justify the aggressive application of this technique in properly selected patients.


A structural model for the cholesterol-phosphatidylcholine complexes in bilayer membranes. Based on the structural properties of phospholipid and cholesterol molecules, and making use of the known structural and motional effects of cholesterol and its analogs on phospholipid bilayers, a model for the cholesterol-phosphatidylcholine complex is proposed. In this model, the 3beta-hydroxyl group of cholesterol is assumed to engage in hydrogen bonding with the carbonyl oxygen of the fatty acyl groups in phospholipids. Some specific configurations of the saturated and unsaturated fatty acyl chains of the phospholipid are suggested to participate in van der Waals attractive interactions with the apha and beta surface of the steroid nucleus.


Pancreatic and microbial lipases: a comparison of the interaction of pancreatic colipase with lipases of various origins. Conjugated bile salts inhibit the the hydrolysis of triglycerides (TG) by the lipases from Rhizopus arrhizus and Geotrichum candidum. This occurs for detergent concentrations similar to those which suppress the action of mammalian pancreatic lipases upon the same substrates. However, in opposition with what is observed with the latter enzymes, the activity is not restored by the addition of pancreatic colipase. Both pancreatic and R. arrhizus lipases are inactivated at tributyrin/water interface, but only the first enzyme is protected against this surface denaturation by the pancreatic cofactor. These observations suggest that colipases synthesized in mammalian pancreas display specific interaction towards the lipases made by the same organ.


Field estimation of VO2 max in children eight years of age. The purpose of the investigation was to explore the validity of using timed distance runs as predictorr of cardiorespiratory fitness in young untrained children. Maximal oxygen consumption and performance in runs of 549, 1207, and 1609 meters (600 yards, 3/4 mile, and 1 mile) were compared in 38 children eight years of age. Males were found to exceed females on Vo2max and possessed significantly faster times in the 1207 and 1609 meter runs. The females exhibited greater six-site skinfold totals. The 1609 meter run proved to be the best predictor of Vo2max (ml/kg) in males. However, none of the three distances was acceptable for females.


The clinical profile of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Seven cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, presenting in a cardiological practice over a period of three years, are documented to illustrate the clinical spectrum of this disease. Frequently this disorder presents with symptoms resembling those of ischaemic heart disease accompanied by left ventricular hypertrophy without obvious cause. It is often familial. The clinical course is variable, but in general slowly progressive; the prognosis depends largely on the severity of disease when the patient presents for treatment. Although no fully satisfactory treatment is available, beta-blockade often ameliorates symptoms, and surgery may benefit selected patients with advanced disease.


[Hearing- and vestibular functions after neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia (author's transl)]. Cochlear- and vestibular function were investigated in 72 patients, aged between 4 and 7 years who had neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia. Markedly more and more serious damage was found in the group of patients, who as neonates had serum bilirubin levels above 25 mg-%. The frequency of loss of cochlear and vestibular function was significantly higher in patients with hyperbilirubinaemia for more than 4 days. Contrary to data published until now, it can be concluded that the vestibular apparatus is the most sensitive part of the nervous system to bilirubin.


[Production of yeast biomasses from starch]. The well known fodder yeasts do not accumulate extracellular amylolytic enzymes and are therefore unable to utilize starches for the production of microbial biomasses. Some of the Endomycopsis yeasts produce glucoamylase but their specific growth rate is so small that continuous cultivation in starch containing media results in low productivites. In the "Symba-process" this drawback is overcome by a twostage fermentation process. In the first stage only Endomycopsis fibuliger yeasts are continuously cultivated and in the second stage the main part of the starch containing medium is converted to microbial biomasses by a mixed culture consisting of fodder yeasts (p.a. Candida utilis) and Endomycopsis fibuliger transferred continously from the first stage. In this work methods for evaluating conditions of cultivation of such a process are presented and a two stage continuous fermentation of a starch containing medium is performed. In the second stage with a dilution rate of D Y 0,174 h-1 a productivity of 1,7 g dry biomasses/1-h was attained Methods for improving the productivity are discussed.


Sterol composition of Bulgarian soya and corn oils. The free sterols, the sterol esters and the sterol glycosides of the raw soya and corn oils as well as those of the technical lecithin and the deodorizer distillated of the latter oils were isolated by preparative TLC. The composition of each of the isolated sterol derivatives was determined by GLC and MS. Sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol and an unknown sterol with a molecular weight of 428 are contained in almost all of the examined fractions of the soya oil and its refinement byproducts. Dehydrocampesterol is present in the free sterols of the raw soya oil and the soya lecithin. Stigmasterol is contained in the soya deodorizer distillate in high amounts. It was established that cholesterol was present in the sterol esters of the raw soya oil high amounts. Delta7-stigmastenol occurs only in the sterol esters of the latter oil. Sitosterol, campesterol and stimgasterol are the main components of all sterol fractions of the corn oil and its refinement products. Dehydrocampesterol and unknown sterols with molecular weights of 428 are present in the free sterols of the raw corn oil. Some sterol glycosides of the soya and corn lecithin are esterified with the same major fatty acid components of the glycerides, palmitic acid being the main one. The fatty acid compositon of sterol esters of the raw soya and corn oil roughly corresponds to the fatty acid composition of oils.


[Production of pullulan].

[Production of pullulan]. Optimum conditions for the production of pullulan by Pullularia pullulans were elaborated by examinating growth and production with different carbohydrates and mixtures of carbohydrates. With starch hydrolysates or mixtures of starch and simple sugars, p.e. glucose or saccharose, better results were achieved than with simple sugars alone or with starch. Condtions for optimum pullulan production are fast undisturbed growth, mediated by fast utilizable simple sugars like glucose followed by a substantial decreased growth rate in which production occurs, mediated by a sufficient supply of nutrite substances and a slow utilizable carbohydrate like starch.


Quantitative assessment of tolerance to and dependence on morphine in mice. 1. Tolerance to morphine-induced analgesia (hot plate and acetic acid whrithing test), hypothermia and lethality can be quantified in mice by measuring the degree of parallel shifts of semilog. dose-response relationships induced by repeated opioid administration. 2. A similar procedure can be used for the quantification of naloxone-induced withdrawal as an indicator of dependence. 3. The intensity of tolerance development with respect to time of administration and dosage of morphine varies with the test procedure. It is closely parallel, however, in both analgesic tests during acquisition of tolerance. 4. Log-log-linear relationships exist between tolerance in analgesic tests and physical dependence as determined by naloxone-induced withdrawal. 5. The minimum tolerance-inducing dose of morphine in different tests could not be correlated to the ED50's in these tests. 6. Chronic opiate treatment leads to a decrease or an increase in motility response to morphine, depending on the time that has elapsed after the last morphine administration.


The interaction of clonidine with dopamine-dependent behaviour in rodents. The effect of clonidine on a number of behavioural parameters believed to be expressed through central dopaminergic mechanisms has been studied in rodents. 1. Clonidine (0.06-2 mg/kg) potentiated the circling response to standard doses of both apomorphine (0.25 mg/kg) and amphetamine (3 mg/kg) in mice with unilateral destruction of nigro-neostriatal dopamine nerve terminals. Similarly, clonidine (0.06-2 mg/kg) enhanced the locomotor effect of apomorphine in reserpinised mice. 2. Clonidine (0.5 mg/kg) was without effect on the patterns of stereotypyd behaviours induced by the dopamine agonist apomorphine (0.1-5 mg/kg) in the rat. Unilateral intrastriatal injections of clonidine (5-100 microng) caused no discernable behavioural effects in rats. 3. Injection of apomorphine (10 microng) bilaterally into the region of the nucleus accumbens of the rat resulted in a hyperactive response, while bilateral injection of clonidine (50 microng) into this region caused marked sedation, thus mimicking the effects of these drugs on motor activity when administered systemically. Combinations of systemic or nucleus accumbens apomorphine and clonidine resulted in potentiated stereotype and prolonged hyperactivity responses. 4. Clonidine (0.5 mg/kg) potentiated the cataleptic effect of the dopamine antagonist haloperidol (0.1-2 mg/kg) in rats. Clonidine therefore potentiated those behavioural responses exhibiting a locomotor component (viz. circling and hyperactivity), but was without effect on stereotypy. The potentiation of catalepsy induced by clonidine may be explained in non-specific sedatory terms. It is apparent that clonidine acts through a secondary neurone system which modifies the effects of dopamine receptor stimulation, although the exact site of this interaction is not clear. The tentative conclusion might be that clonidine inhibits 5-HT neuronal activity, and the possible relationships between 5-HT and NA and dopamine are discussed.


[Computerized transverse axial tomography in intracerebral, intracerebellar and intraventricular hemorrhage (author's transl)]. Computerized transverse axial tomography (CT) of the brain is a recently developed method which allows non-invasive roentgenologic evaluation of intracranial diseases. The advent of CT represents a great advance in the diagnosis of a very wide variety of intracranial lesions, including cerebrovascular diseases. Especially, CT was found to be extremely informative in evaluating intracerebral, intracerebellar and intraventricular hemorrhage. The purpose of this report is to evaluate the clinical usefulness of CT in the diagnosis of intracranial hemorrhage. From the seven hundreds cases of various intracranial diseases hitherto examined by the EMI-scanner (160 X 160 matrix), twenty-three cases of nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage were selected for the present study. Fifteen cases of fresh hemorrhage consisted of hypertensive cerebrovascular disease, arterio-venous malformation, aneurysm and unknown etiology, number of cases being six, three, four and two, respectively. All cases were examined within fifteen days after the ictus and the positive findings were obtained in all cases. The characteristic feature of the hematoma is the circumscribed and increased density area surrounded by the decreased density zone probably representing the accompanied brain edema. The sequential CT studies revealed that the hematoma area was gradually decreased in its density and finally transformed into the rather low density one in four weeks or so after the ictus. The smallest hematoma detected by CT was the cerebellar hematoma about five grams in weight, which was failed to be recognized by the angiography. In cases of the old hemorrhage, besides the decreased density area of the hematoma, such findings were obtained as cerebral atrophy, ventricular dilatation and porencephalic change. It would be concluded that CT study is the most useful aid at present available in the diagnosis of intracranial hemorrhage. The precise anatomic extent of the hematoma, associated brain edema, ventricular deformity and displacement and hydrocephalus are all readily assessed by CT.


[Cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy--analysis of 300 cases (author's transl)]. Three hundred cases of cranioplasty, following large decompressive craniectomy for various diseases, were analyzed. 1. Neurological status was evaluated before and after cranioplasty in 52 patients with remaining neurological deficit. There observed no changes in 13 patients with skin flap of full or bulging type. However, 4 (10%) among 39 patients with skin flap of sinking or flat type showed unquestionable objective improvement within a few days following cranioplasty, after stationary period of more than 2 and half months. In these situation, placement of acrylic plate has presumably corrected deformity of underlying brain tissue secondary to pressure gradient between extra- and intracranial spaces, which might have unidentifiably caused unfavorable eflects on neural function. 2. Seven children underwent procedure within 24 months of age and all of them had troublesome bluging of skin flap. This deformity was extreme in 5, in whom the dura mater was not repaired in the previous surgery. Those children had various intracranial problems as causes of bulging skin flap-hydrocephaly in 2, porencephaly in 1, CSF collection under the skin flap in 4, brain migration in 2, enlarged subarachnoid space over the bulging brain surface in 2, deformity of the skull resembling growing skull fracture in 5; and as complications of cranioplasty in 3 and infection in 2. 3. Fracture of the cranioplasty was seen in 7 (2%) among 300 cases and 6 of them were under the age of 7. In one case, there occurred 3 episodes of fracture. 4. Infected cranioplasty, in all as epidural empyema, was seen in 10 (3%) of 300 cases. One of the most important factors related to infection, was the time interval after the primary surgery; all infected cases were operated on within 3 months.


[The combination of STA-MCA anastomosis with another operation for the occlusive cerebrovascular disease (author's transl)]. Case 1. A 65 year old male had left hemiparesis with sudden onset since 8 years ago, which gradually aggravated for these 2 years. On Sept. 27, 1973, he was admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery, Kitano Hospital. There was left spastic hemiparesis with hemisensory disturbance and he could not walk without help for the maked spasticity. Left carotid angiogram revealed the complete occlusion of the internal carotid artery and marked stenosis of the external carotid artery at the common carotid bifurcation. External carotid endarterectomy was performed on Nov. 19, 1973, which was followed by STA-MCA anastomosis 2 months later. The spasticity of extremities and left hemisparesis were gradually improved and he was able to walk without help. Case 2. On Apr. 14, 1974, a 63 year old female developed complete stroke with right hemiparesis and speech disturbance after transient ischemic attacks of 5 days duration. On Aug. 9, he was admitted and had emotional incontinence, right hemiparesis, Gerstmann's syndrome and motor aphasia. Left carotid angiogram revealed a saccular aneurysm of the middle cerebral artery and the occlusion of the distal middle cerebral arterys. These findings suggested that the occlusion was caused by embolus from the middle cerebral aneurysm, and the combined surgery with STA-MCA anastomosis and operation for the aneurysm was planned. On Aug. 30, 1974, under left frontotemporal craniotomy, aneurysmal neck clipping and aneurysmectomy were performed and thereafter, STA-MCA double anastomosis was done. One week after operation, the gradual improvement of pre-operative symptomes was noted. Recently, STA-MCA anatomosis is well known to be one of the effective operative methods for the occlusive methods for the occlusive cerebrovascular diseases and in addition, we found that the combination of STA-MCA anastomosis with other operations was effective for unusual cases presenting in this report. Furthermore, except for the occlusive cerebrovascular diseases, we usually plan STA-MCA anastomosis for the cases of 1) carotid ligation or trapping for carotid-cavernous sinus fistula and some internal carotid aneurysms, 2) some intracranial tumors with the danger involving the main cerebral arteries by operation to protect the cerebrovascular insufficiency.


[A case of HCG-producing ectopic pinealoma in a girl with precocious puberty (author's transl)]. HCG-producing ectopic pinealoma of two cell pattern type was demonstrated in a 5-year old girl who presented precocious puberty and bilateral choked discs. The tumor was localized at the anterior third ventricle and suprasellar region. Endocrinological findings are as following: Plasma basal LH was markedly elevated to 306 mIU/ml and HCG was elevated to 1,192 ng/ml. Provocative test of hypophyseal function revealed low response. Plasma estrogen was not detectable. HCG content of resected tumor tissue was elevated to 400 ng/mg. FSH, however, was not detectable. Histological findings of this tumor showed atypical teratoma, so-called two cell pattern pinealoma. Electron microscopic findings revealed two types of cells, dark and clear cells. Many secreting granules were found in the dark cells. In this case, HCG in plasma, CSF and tumor tissue was remarkably elevated. In addition, plasma FSH was also elevated to 8.9 mIU/ml. Precocious puberty associated with tumor in the pineal-suprasellar region has been seen only in boys. There has been no case report of precocious puberty in girls. This case is the first female case is which HCG-producing ectopic penealoma is caused in precocious puberty.


[Traumatic cerebral aneurysm showing remarkable extravasation into  the lateral ventricle--report of a case in an infant (author's transl)]. A case of traumatic cerebral aneurysm showing remarkable extravasation into the lateral ventricle was reported. This 9-month-old female baby fell down from 30 cm height and hit the right occipital area against the concrete floor. Immediately after the accident she cried, but three minutes later apnea and cardiac arrest were developed. On admission, plain craniogram showed a linear skull fracture extending from the parietal to occipital area on her right side. Since the retrograde vertebral angiography performed through the right brachial artery revealed no finding of hematoma, the patient was treated conservatively. On the third day from the accident, she developed convulsion on her right leg and the left CAG showed an aneurysm of 5 mm X 3 mm size at C2 portion of the carotid artery but no hematoma was detected. As plain craniograms taken with intervals revealed progressive suture separation, V-P shunt was performed. Immediately after the operation, mydriasis was noted on the left side. The left CAG showed remarkable extravasation of the contrast medium from the aneurysm into the left lateral ventricle. Trapping of the aneurysm was performed and the clot was removed out of the left lateral ventricle as much as possible. Ten months after surgery, she was able to eat. Development and treatment of traumatic aneurysms and extravasation from aneurysms of various origin have been discussed.