Changes in the yield, and carbohydrate, lipid and protein content of milk during lactation in the rat. The milk yield and composition was studied during the first three lactations of a group of rats. Milk yield increased steadily throughout the three lactations, but was somewhat lower during the first than subsequent lactations. Protein concentration was similar during all three lactations and varied little with stage of lactation. In contrast the lactose concentration, which was reasonably constant for the first 8 days post partum, increased thereafter two-fold by the end of the period studied in all three lactations. However, the N-acetyl-neuraminyl lactose concentration showed somewhat reciprocal changes. Considerable variations in the triacylglycerol concentration was found during the first lactation but few changes were observed during subsequent lactations. The free fatty acid concentration was at all times low and showed no significant changes during or between lactations. At most stages of lactation in raw milk, the major fatty acids are palmitate, oleate and linoleate. However, as lactation progresses there is an increase in the proportion of medium-chain saturated fatty acids and a corresponding decrease in the proportion of long chain unsaturated fatty acids in milk fat. Clearly the composition of milk is not invariable but changes both during and between lactations. Such changes may be expected to have some influence on the metabolism of the offspring.


Lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme transitions during skeletal differentiation in the mouse embryo. (1) In the mouse embryo there are changes in lactate dehydrogenase activity and isoenzyme pattern during the differentiation of cartilage and bone. (2) The specific activity of lactate dehydrogenase rises during chondrogenesis and falls during osteogenesis. (3) Identical isoenzyme transitions occur in parallel in both tissues: undifferentiated limb bud mesenchyme contains isoenzymes 1-5 whereas in both the cartilaginous and bony portions of a long bone developing from the mesenchyme, there is a progressive shift towards a predominance of the 'anaerobic' isoenzymes 4 and 5.


On the presence of a ductus venosus in the fetal pig in late gestation. Evidence is presented to show that there is a functional bypass in the liver of the fetal piglet between the umbilical vein and the posterior vena cava. Injections of labelled microspheres (14 micrometer) into the umbilical vein in six fetuses in late gestation resulted in the appearance of radioactivity in the arterial blood and throughout the tissues of all piglets. About 60% of the umbilical venous blood bypassed the liver whereas in a fetal foal, injection in a similar manner, no evidence for a shunt was found. Radiographic studies confirmed the presence of a large vascular connection, equivalent to the ductus venosus, between the umbilical vein and posterior vena cava in the fetal piglet.


Postnatal amino acid uptake by the rat small intestine. Energetics of membrane transport systems for amino acids in the developing jejunum. The energetics of amino acid uptake by the developing small intestine was investigated in vitro. L-valine, L-leucine, L-phenylalanine, L-methionine, L-lysine and L-arginine were all actively transported by the newborn rat jejunum. Metabolic inhibitors (e.g. 2,4-dinitrophenol) significantly reduced uptake of all amino acids but uptake against a concentration gradient was not totally abolished. Uptake of all amino acids was reduced at low[Na+]. Inhibition of transport of neutral amino acids by reduced luminal [Na+] was greater than that of basic amino acids, and the tissue was barely able to concentrate the neutral amino acids. [Na+] affected the Michaelis constant (Km) of neutral transport systems for their substrates; for the basic amino acids Km values were unaffected by the presence or absence of Na+. Ouabain significantly inhibited neutral amino acid uptake but had no effect on L-lysine or L-arginine uptake. These results are discussed in terms of the Na+ gradient hypothesis for amino acid transport, and the site of energy input to active transport. The role of glycolysis in providing energy for intestinal transport in the neonatal rat and the efficiency of Na+ dependent and independent transport mechanisms are considered. It is concluded that the energetics of amino acid transport systems in neonatal and adult rats are essentially similar.


Uterine uptake of amino acids and placental glutamine--glutamate balance in the pregnant ewe. The uterine uptake of amino acids was studied in 10 pregnant sheep with gestational ages of 114-146 days. After recovery from surgery, arterial and uterine venous samples were drawn simultaneously via indwelling catheters and analysed for amino acid and oxygen content. In seven ewes, amino acid concentrations were measured by a chromatographic technique. In four ewes, glutamate and glutamine arterio-venous differences across the uterine and umbilical circulations were measured by an enzymatic method. The uptake of neutral and basic amino acids was 66 mumol/mmol O2 and 17.3 mumol/mmol O2, respectively. Comparison of uterine and umbilical uptake shows that the bulk of the neutral and basic amino acids taken up by the pregnant uterus are transferred to the fetus. there was no significant uptake of acidic amino acids (i.e. glutamate, aspartate and taurine). glutamate was delivered from the fetus to the placenta but excretion of glutamate into the uterine circulation was negligible. Glutamine and asparagine were delivered to the fetus in amount which were two to three times larger than the placental uptake of glutamate and aspartate. Therefore placental conversion of exogenous glutamate and aspartate to glutamine and asparagine cannot account entirely for the fetal uptake of these amino acids.


Cretinism in Angora goats.

Cretinism in Angora goats. An outbreak of goitre and hypothyroidism in newborn Angora kids is described. the does had been grazing on lucerne from the time of mating and received a free-choice lick, which included iodine. Investigations revealed that the condition was iodine-responsive, and was probably caused by a goitrogen like thiocyanate.


The use of doxycycline in the treatment of canine ehrlichiosis. The use of doxycycline in the treatment of twenty dogs with canine ehrlichiosis is described. The drug was found to be effective even in cases which did not respond to treatment with oxytetracycline.


The transmission of canine ehrlichiosis to the Wild Dog Lycaon pictus (Temminck) and Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas Schreber. Canine ehrlichiosis was successfully transmitted from the domestic dog to three Wild Dogs Lycaon pictus and three Black-backed Jackals Canis mesomelas. Wild Dogs showed symptoms of anorexia and depression as well as anaemia, leucopaenia and mild thrombocytopaenia. Black-backed Jackals were asymptomatic. Morulae of Ehrlichicia canis were found in peripheral blood smears from all experimental animals. The disease was also successfully transmitted from Black-backed Jackal to the domestic dog.


Parvovirus as a cause of enteritis and myocarditis in puppies. A gastro-enteritis syndrome mimicking feline panleukopaenia was diagnosed in young dogs in the Republic of South Africa. Parvovirus was demonstrated by electron microscopy in the faeces of these animals. In addition an acutely fatal, acute to sub-acute non-purulent interstitial myocarditis occurred in pups in the same area. Histopathologically large basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies were seen in the myocardium of these cases. The two syndromes generally occurred separately, but in two cases were found in the same individuals. The literature on the subject is briefly reviewed and the clinical and pathological findings in these outbreaks are reported.


Anthelmintic efficiency of fenbendazole in equines. A single oral dose of fenbendazole (FBZ) at 10 mg/kg body mass was given to 5 donkeys. A further 5 donkeys were dosed with a medicated lick (1 mg FBZ/g lick) until the oral consumption was 10 mg/kg body mass. In both trials FBZ was highly effective against adults of the following genera: Cyathostomum, Cylicocyclus, Cylicostephanus, Cylicodontophorus, Poteriostomum, Cabellonema, Craterostomum and Triodontophorus; similarly high efficiency was obtained against the following species: Habronema majus, Habronema musca, Strongylus vulgaris and Oxyuris equi and worms identified as belonging to the subfamily Cyathostominae. These results were confirmed in horses and in addition FBZ at 10 mg/kg was highly effective against Gyalocephalus capitatus, Oesophagodontos robustus and Parascaris equorum.


Disseminated intravascular coagulation: a complication of Babesia canis infection in the dog. Disseminated intravascular coagulation is described as a complication of Babesia canis infection in the dog. B. canis infection in the dog is characterized as a mild (uncomplicated) or severe (complicated) disease. The clinical, coagulation and haematological, pathological and histopathological findings of the severe disease are described. Thrombocytopenia is reported as occurring in both the mild and severe forms of B. canis infection in the dog.


Tick infestations and tick-borne diseases in Zimbabwe Rhodesia. The distribution of tick species in Zimbabwe Rhodesia is significantly influenced by land utilization practices. The most commonly occurring species in the over-grazed tribal areas is Boophilus decoloratus. By contrast, well-managed commercial farms and ranches support a wide range of tick species, the most important of which is Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. Until recently tick-borne diseases of cattle were efficiently controlled through dipping. The low incidence of disease was an important factor contributing to over-grazing in tribal areas. Between 1973 and 1978 political unrest resulted in a collapse of the dipping service in tribal areas. Populations of B. decoloratus built up and outbreaks of babesiosis and anaplasmosis occurred, normally between one and three years after the cessation of dipping. Reduced grazing pressure after the initial disease waves resulted in increased grass cover, allowing species such as R. appendiculatus and Amblyomma hebraeum to become re-established. Outbreaks of theileriosis and heartwater usually followed, decimating the already depleted herds. The heavy cattle mortality resulted from lack of immunity to tick-borne diseases, as a result of efficient disease control through dipping in previous years.


Observations on the pathogenesis of anaplasmosis in cattle with particular reference to nutrition, breed and age. Experiments are described to examine the pathogenesis of anaplasmosis in Bos indicus cattle with particular emphasis on nutrition, breed and age. The disease seemed to be less severe in animals under a poor plane of nutrition. Breed was shown to have little effect and there was an age resistance. Natural transmission in Bos indicus calves occurred with ease in endemic areas. This indicated that the introduction of Bos indicus cattle should not adversely affect enzootic stability.


Ixodicidal resistance in Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) in the Republic of South Africa and Transkei. A series of in vitro trials using unfed larvae and fully fed adult ticks confirmed ixodicidal resistance in the one-host Pantropical Blue Tick, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini). Fifty-seven of 64 field isolates were resistant to arsenic; 10 of 56 were resistant to toxaphene; 1 of 5 were resistant to lindane; 3 of 5 were resistant to dieldrin; 3 of 19 were resistant to DDT and 8 of 55 were resistant to the organophosphorus ixodicide, dioxathion. One of the field isolates resistant to dioxathion was also highly resistant to the carbamate, carbaryl, and to the organophosphorus ixodicides benoxophos and diazinon. A second was resistant to the organophosphorus ixodicides benoxophos, diazinon, carbophenothion, dicrotophos, ethion, fenitrothion and quintiofos. Low levels of resistance, less than 3X, were shown to chlorfenvinphos and coumaphos. No resistance was shown to chlorpyrifos, bromophos ethyl or the diamidine ixodicide, amitraz. In hand-spraying trials no variation in the susceptibility of an organophosphorus resistant strain or the susceptible laboratory strain to amitraz was observed. This is the first recorded resistance to ixodicides by B. microplus in Africa.


Some aspects of the epidemiology of equine babesiosis. The sex, coat colour, age, province and month of occurrence of every case of babesiosis was recorded in a horse population of 5856 in South Africa and Rhodesia. A total of 115 cases were recorded during the period 1973-01-01 to 1973-12-31. Chisquared tests were used to evaluate the significance of frequencies. Significant biases in the distribution of cases of babesiosis were found with regard to season (P < 0,05), sex (P < 0,001) and coat colour (P < 0.01).


Experimental therapy of theileriosis.

Experimental therapy of theileriosis. A tissue culture method was used to screen compounds for activity against Theileria parva, and demonstrated that the hydroxy-alkylated naphthoquinones, 'menoctone' and 993C were highly active, with ED50 values around 0,005 mg/l. When injected into cattle artificially infected the T. parva, menoctone cured all of 7 cattle at a total dosage of 10 mg/kg injected intravenously (i.v.). A further trial showed that injection of menoctone, 10 mg/kg, as a single dose gby the intramuscular (i.m.) route was more effective than when a similar dose was given by the i.v. route. Titration of serum from these cattle in the in vitro system showed that inhibitory levels of drug persisted for three days after i.v. injection and six days when menoctone was injected i.m. The minimum effective dose level of 993C was 20 mg/kg i.m. either as a single dose, or as two doses of 10 mg/kg with an interval of 48 hours.


Field experience with heartwater (Cowdria ruminantium) in cattle. Observations are reported on 2743 animals immunised against heartwater since 1958. The methods of immunisation and control of reactions are discussed. This procedure is not without risk and 0,83% of the animals died in spite of treatment. Bos indicus breeds appear to have a greater resistance to heartwater and are relatively easy to immunise. Of the Box taurus breeds the South Devon, the Jersey and the Charolais seem to be particularly susceptible. Older animals and pregnant cows are considered to be in the high risk category.


Preliminary observations on the combined use of imidocarb and Babesia blood vaccine in cattle. Imidocarb was used by three different methods to control reactions in cattle induced by a Babesia blood vaccine produced in South Africa. Simultaneous administration of 0,15 mg/kg imidocarb and Babesia bovis vaccine gave satisfactory control. When the vaccine was given seven days prior to the imidocarb treatment a dose between 0,15 mg/kg and 0,6 mg/kg imidocarb was required for effective control. A combined B. bovis and Babesia bigemina vaccine given at 21 and again 61 days after a 3 mg/kg imidocarb treatment allowed the development of an adequate premunity to both these parasites.


Investigations on the natural and acquired resistance of cattle to artificial infection with Cowdria ruminantium. Sixty cattle, artificially immunized against C. ruminantium, were challenged 3, 6, 12 and 24 months later. Levels of conglutinin were determined in pre-immunization serum samples. There appeared to be a relationship between the pre-infection levels of conglutinin and the susceptibility of the animals to heartwater: At the time of immunization 31 out of 60 cattle (51,6%) with levels in the low-titre range (1:100-1:160) showed a typical febrile response, whereas 29 (48,4%) with conglutinin levels in the high-titre range (1:320 and higher) were either fully or partially resistant. Except for 2 animals that developed mild febrile reactions when they were challenged 2 years after artificial immunization, all the cattle were fully resistant to challenge with C. ruminantium infected sheep blood. It can be concluded that in this experiment cattle retained their immunity to heartwater for at least 2 years in the absence of reinfection.


Bovine babesiosis: steps towards an irradiated vaccine. A series of experiments leading towards the field trial of an irradiated blood-derived vaccine against Babesia divergens, common cause of redwater in cattle in Europe, is described. Initially a number of isolates of B. divergens were made from the blood of sick animals in a variety of localities in the british Isles. These isolates were cryopreserved and then characterised by inoculation into groups of spenectomised Friesian calves, whose reactions were statistically analysed. Attempts were made to prepare a vaccine against B. divergens infection using diluted infected blood, but when these failed it was found that irradiation of infected blood within the range of 24 to 32 kilorads and its intravenous inoculation into calves produced the required immune response without pathogenic effects. An irradiated blood-derived vaccine produced by the irradiation of infected blood at 25 or 30 kilorads was used in a field trial in Ireland, and vaccinated calves were protected against a field challenge which caused redwater in 10 control cattle, six of which had severe reactions.


Therapeutic implications of Babesia canis infection in dogs. The therapeutic regime used in the treatment of dogs with Babesia canis infection differed between dogs with mild (uncomplicated) and severe (complicated) disease. In addition to the treatment given to dogs with mild disease, the dogs with severe disease received intravenous fluids, heparin and blood transfusion together with other supportive measures. Mortalities occurred only in the group with severe disease and were attributed to disseminated intravascular coagulation.


Epidemiology and control of anaplasmosis in Australia. Anaplasmosis occurs in those areas of northern and eastern Australia infested by the cattle tick Boophilus microplus but it has been studied intensively only in Queensland. Anaplasmosis is predominantly a disease of autumn and winter and of cattle greater than 1 year of age. The complement fixation test has been used in serological surveys of the tick-infested areas of the state. Both clinical and subclinical infections occur only in tick-infested areas and they are both more frequent in Bos taurus than in Bos indicus cattle probably due to the greater susceptibility of the former to ticks. Prevalence of infection is significantly greater in cattle exposed to heavy tick infestations than it is in cattle exposed to light tick infestations. B. microplus is considered to be the main vector with transmission being effected by transtadial and intrastadial but not transovarial means. Transtadial transmission by Rhipicephalus sanguineus has been demonstrated but attempts to demonstrate transmission by Haemaphysalis longicornis were unsuccessful. Vaccination with Anaplasma centrale is employed either as a routine preventative measure in young cattle or in the face of an outbreak. Attempts to attenuate a strain of A. marginale by adapting it to sheep were unsuccessful. Oxytetracycline and imidocarb have been used successfully to control the clinical disease.


The preservation of surface-associated micro-organisms prepared for scanning electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has become a popular means of studying micro-organisms which associate with surfaces. However, as yet no detailed examination has been made of the influence of specimen preparation on the number of organisms finally seen on the SEM screen. In this investigation critical assessment is made of the influence of a wide range or preparative factors on the preservation of filamentous bacteria associated with the epithelial surfaces of rat intestine. Organisms were quantitated using a rigorous counting method (transect line analysis); statistical testing of these counts enabled the comparison of different preparative factors. The composition of the fixative was found to significantly influence the number of organisms preserved; of the fifteen fixatives studied, Karnovsky's fixative with ruthenium red best preserved surface-associated organisms. The influence of other factors on the number and appearance of preserved organisms was also examined. These factors included the washing of specimens prior to fixation, the storage of fixed specimens, and the handling and storage of critical point dried specimens. The results are discussed with reference to the optimal methods for preparing specimens for SEM.


A device for the reproducible spreading of cryoultramicrotome sections. A device has been designed and constructed to electrically heat frozen sucrose solution droplets within the cryochamber of a cryomicrotome. This ensures that the solution liquefies to spread the sections before they melt and collapse, and allows many more sections to be cut continuously.


A tilt-stage designed for light microscopic stereoscopy. This contribution describes in detail the construction and utilization of a reasonable priced, fully adjustable, tilt-stage for light microscopic stereoscopy of neurons tissue prepared by modified Golgi methods.


[Parasitosis and zoonosis in mice and rats caught in and around Beytepe Village (author's transl)]. This helmintho-zoonotic investigation has been made on 106 mice and rats from different species caught in and around of Beytepe Village, these animals are reservoirs for a number of zoonotic parasites and most of these parasites are causative agents of zoonosis in man. The parasites found and their prevalences are; Sphacia obvelata: 42.4%, Sphacia muris: 28.3%, Aspicularis tetraptera: 14.1%, Ascaris lumbricoides (Pseudo.) 2.8%, Gongylonema neoplasticum: 1.8% Trichuris muris: 6.6%, Capillaria gastrica: 2.8%, Taenia pisiformis(lar.) 3.7%, Taenia taeniformis (1.) 3.7%, Hymenolepis nana: 5.6% Hymenolepis diminuta 3.7%.


[Studies on atopic allergic dermatitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus antigens (author's transl)]. Atopic eczema cases due to S. aureus, the results of immunodiffision analyses of serum samples from the patients, the staphylococcal antibodies before and after the immunisation with different staphylococcal vaccines are discussed.


[The effects of cockroach antigen in allergic patients (author's transl)]. In this study the skin test with cockroach antigen was employed to 125 allergic patients and 100 normal individuals. 36% of the allergic patients and 13% of the other group gave positive skin reaction. In 45 patients with positive skin tests to cockroach antigen sensitivity to house-dust antigen was also determined. The results of tests with these two antigens were compared.


[Antigenic relationships between S. cholerae-suis 211, S. cholerae-suis var. kunzendorf 1350, S. cholerae-suis var. kunzendorf 5210, and S. thompson strains (author's transl)]. In this paper a common antigenic factor between S. cholerae-suis 211, S. cholerae-suis var. kunzendorf 1350, S. cholerae-suis var. kunzendorf 5210 was shown by absorption and agglutination tests. This common antigenic factor was not present in S. thompson.


Science as creative activity.

Science as creative activity. Science in the evolutionary world system. Science as group activity. Creativity as natural phenomenon. Psycho-socio-historical account of scientific work. Creative changes in physics: examples. Abstraction. Epistemological consequences. Methodology, formal and information. Pattern recognition of meaning instead of space-time determination of events.


[The increase of resistant enteric bacteria and the role of R plasmids (author's transl)]. As elsewhere in the world, the number of resistant enteric bacteria is rapidly increasing in this country. In a survey made in 1977 on about 40,000 strains of enteric bacteria in Clinical Pathology Laboratory of Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey, 70% to 97% of enteric bacteria were shown to be resistant to conventional antimicrobic agents. Also the rates of multiple-resistant strains of enteric bacteria are increasing quite rapidly. In most of these strains this increase proved to depend on the presence of R plasmids. In this paper, these and related facts were summarized and some precautions were suggested to lessen the increase of resistant strains in this country.


[Legionnaires' disease (author's transl)]. The epidemic of respiratory disease (Legionnaires' disease) occurred after the American Legion convention between 21-24 July 1976 in Philadelphia, USA, similar epidemics occurred previously with unknown etiology in the USA and in England with similar clinical symptoms and pathological findings of the disease, the isolated etiological agent, its morphology culture, pathological findings in laboratory animals, serological and immunofluorescent test, the proposed term for the causative organism (Legionella pneumophila) at the International Symposium on Legionnaires Disease held at the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, on November 13th-15th, 1978 are reviewed.


[Yeasts of Kloeckera genus, their serological specification and diagnosis of some strains (author's transl)]. In this study, agglutinating sera against K. africana, K. corticis, K. javanica var. javanica and K. javanica var lafarii are prepared. Cross agglutination and absorption tests are carried out with these four Kloeckera strains and an antigenic relationship is shown (see table I). There were no antigenic relationship between K. apicuata var. apis and these four Kloeckera strains. Also, in this paper, previous studies, like using Salmonella 0 : 6(2) agglutinating serum for serological differential diagnosis between K. javanica var. javanica and K. javanica var. lafarii and antigenic relationship between K. africana and Salmonella 0 : II and E. coli 0 : 75 antigens were also mentioned.


[Aflatoxin B1 in flours (author's transl)]. Inadequate storage conditions may cause growth of fungi on foodstuffs. Most well known fungi are Aspergillus species, which produce a number of toxins known as aflatoxins, destructive to human health. Several health organisations consider these aflatoxins and their metabolites as toxic and cancerogenic and state limitations on their amount in foodstuffs. In ninety three flour samples screened for aflatoxins, three were found to contain aflatoxin B1 over the limits or very close to it.


[Enteritis cases caused by S. newport (author's transl)]. S. newport serotypes are isolated from stool specimens of four patients. S. Newport as a cause of enteritis is reported for the first time in this country.


[Effects of S. aureus antigens in allergic dermatitis, immunological aspects, and the results of treatment (author's transl)]. A case of S. aureus dermatitis of 4 years duration is discussed. The case was analysed immunologically by means of various Staphylococcal antigens including protein A which can sensitize human skin. The case was treated with Staphylococcal vaccine and drugs, combined with local corticosteroid application, and she recovered in a short time.


[Food poisoning caused by S. san-diego (author's transl)]. In this paper, a S. san-diego food poisoning outbreak of 24 people who ate the same food is presented. This is the first report of a S. san-diego food poisoning outbreak in Turkey.


[An Achromobacter xylosoxidans strain isolated from pleural empyema (author's transl)]. The isolation of an Achromobacter xylosoxidans strain from a 32 year old man with pleural empyema, and its biochemical characteristics are reported.


[A case of subacute endocarditis caused by C. endocarditis (author's transl)]. Corynebacterium endocarditis isolated from the blood culture obtained in fever period of a patient who had endocarditis and hospitalized in cardiology department of Ankara University Medical School. Good result is obtained by penicillin therapy. Other cases in literature are discussed.


[A case of purpura fulminans associated with miliary tuberculosis (author's transl)]. A fatal case of Purpura fulminans associated with miliary tuberculosis is presented. To our best knowledge, this is the first case of this type reported.


[Demodectic mange in a dog in Beytepe University campus (author's transl)]. Scabies (mange) is a skin disease of men and animals caused by microscopical acarids. There are mainly three species in Turkey, namely Demodex folliculorum, Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, and Pyemones ventricosus. They are easily transmissible from animals to men and from men to animals. These parasites may cause inflammation, thickening, scabrous and severe itching. Serious infectious and parasitic diseases are transmitted from dogs to men. We present a case of Demodectic mange in a dog in Beytepe University Campus.


[Ocular toxoplasmosis (author's transl)]. Ocular toxoplasmosis is a disease characterised by inflammation of posterior part of uvea. It can be either congenital or acquired. However, ocular toxoplasmosis is mostly congenital. The frequency of ocular involvement is 1/4 in ratio after invasion of central nervous system. Ocular and serological findings must be considered together for diagnosis. Pyrimethamine and sulphonamides are effective in the treatment of acute cases; however, they have no effect on chronic cases. It is not advised to use corticosteroids alone, but they may be used together with their depo-forms and other antimicrobial drugs. In addition, physical methods such as, laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy can be employed when drug treatment is not effective.


[Aging and immune response (author's transl)]. In this article the changes of immune responsiveness in aging are discussed. It was seen that especially the constitutional and functional changes of thymus in aging caused a decrease in cellular immune response. The relationships of these changes are discussed as a possible factor in infections, autoimmunity and neoplastic diseases.


[Acute tubular necrosis in acute alcoholic hepatitis with cardiac beriberi (author's transl)]. In one case of fulminant hepatic failure by acute alcoholic hepatitis, renal failure seemed to be related to active renal vasoconstriction by systemic endotoxemia due to impaired hepatic clearance of toxins, associated with or complicated by a located intravascular coagulation with acute tubular necrosis. The associated thiamin deficiency may have accentuated this renal vasoconstriction.


[The diagnosis of haemoperitoneum by "minimal" abdominal tap (author's transl)]. A simple diagnostic procedure in haemoperitoneum, using a single drop of fluid collected by abdominal tap and placed on a glass slide, is described. It is possible in this way to demonstrate the presence of minimal bloody effusions and to radically decrease the number of false negative results of paracentesis. Taps considered to be blood-free thus fall within the category of positive results. The actual procedure is improved since it is no longer necessary to collect a relatively large volume in order to ensure the diagnosis of haemoperitoneum. Furthermore, more complicated methods using catheters, with or without lavage, may be avoided.


[Raynaud's syndrome: study of fingertip blood flow by plethysmography with venous occlusion (author's transl)]. The fingertip blood flow was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography in a room at 22 degrees C, in 52 patients with Raynaud's syndrome and 24 healthy controls. In severe Raynaud's syndroms (24 cases incuding: scleroderma: 7 cases, thromboangitis: 5 cases, disabling syndrom without known etiology: 12 cases), the flow was significantly lower than in moderate Raynaud's syndroms (19 cases including 10 primary and 9 secondary syndroms) i.d. 7.5 +/- 7.3 ml versus 25 +/- 15 ml (p < 0.001). Controls had significantly higher flow (35 +/- 12.3 ml) than moderate Raynaud's syndroms (p < 0.05). Raynaud's syndroms with permanent acrocyanosis had a low flow (8.7 +/- 5.3 ml) not different from severe syndroms.


[Polycythemias of young subjects (author's transl)]. During the last 12 years, 86 apparently primary polycythemias have been observed in subjects less than 40 years old. In twelve of them a non-suspected cause has been found (seven abnormalities of the hemoglobin function). In 43 cases, all males, the erythrocytosis (red cell volume more than 36 ml/kg) was pure and stable, without any complication; this "benign erythrocytosis" probably depicts extreme values of the normal distribution of the red cell mass. In 31 cases, the disease had criteria similar to those of polycythemia vera observed in older patients; in 12 of these cases, severe thrombo-embolic complications have been observed at the very beginning of the disease; however no further complication has been seen, when the patients were actively treated (phlebotomies or 32P); at the present time, no one of these cases did show transformation into acute leukemia, but the long-term prognosis (beyond 15 years) cannot yet been precisely drawn.


[The sectorisation of pancreatic pathology (author's transl)]. The existence of dilatation of the Wirsung duct distal to an isthmic calculus, the marked dilatation of the cephalic portion of the duct contrasting with the sub-normal calibre of the corporeo-caudal duct in a case of pancreatic lithiasis, are all against the pathogenic hypothesis of a retrodilatation proximal to an obstruction, a supposition which is apparently satisfactory but not always confirmed by the facts. Thus duct distension would not seem to be a purely mechanical phenomenon. The confusing topography of sectorial dilatation of the Wirsung duct in chronic pancreatitis may be explained by a process affecting in isolation or predominantly one or another embryonic sector. The paradox of the association of cephalic dilatation of the duct with stenosis of the intrapancreatic common bile duct offers further support for this hypothesis.


[Thyroid carcinoma. Indications and results of treatment (author's transl)]. Frozen section histological study of all cold nodules requiring total extracapsular lobectomy is absolutely essential during surgery. Whilst total thyroidectomy for intracapsular carcinomas is most often proposed in extracapsular carcinomas, the authors deliberately leave a small part of the gland in contact with the parathyroids. The need for recurrent laryngeal lymph node dissection is accepted, as is the principle of jugulo-carotid dissection.


[Carcinoma of the kidney in the adult: results of current treatment. 120 cases (author's transl)]. Extended radical nephrectomy with truly primary ligation of the renal pedicle and lymph node dissection ensures an overall 5 year survival of 65% in patients treated surgically at all stages combined together. At stages I and II, the 5 year survival in 84%. At stage III, venous and/or local lymph node involvement reduces the 5 year survival rate to 53%.


[The contribution of gallbladders' infusion tomography in the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis (author's transl)]. The detection of opacification of the wall of the gallbladder after the intravenous injection of hydrosoluble iodinated contrast medium (gallbladder parietography) was sought in 82 patients suspected of suffering from acute cholecystitis. In 35 cases, the examination was negative and operation or the clinical course made it possible to eliminate the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. In 47 cases, it was positive. The diagnosis was confirmed in 39 cases out of 40 patients undergoing surgery. The appearance of the opacification makes it possible to distinguish two types of positive gallbladder parietography: -- with a thin wall and gallbladder of normal size, corresponding to moderate inflammatory lesions; -- with a thickened wall associated with a large gallbladder corresponding to major inflammatory lesions. The examination is simple, reliable, may be carried out as an emergency and combined with intravenous urography. The diagnosis of acute cholecystitis may be made in difficult causes, and appropriate therapeutic steps taken.


[Polyradiculopathy associated with bullous pemphigoid (author's transl)]. A sensorio-motor polyradiculopathy of subacute onset and a bullous pemphigoid form of herpetiform dermatitis (Dühring-Brocq disease) developed simultaneously in a 71-year-old man. Both conditions regressed under the influence of prednisone and azathioprine. The immediate cortico-dependence of the skin condition should be noted. Death occurred 9 months later, related to diffuse pulmonary aspergillosis. A paraneoplastic aetiology was sought unsuccessfully.


[Fractures of the head and tuberosities of the humerus: treatment of malposition (author's transl)]. Fractures of the head and tuberosities of the humerus combine "horizontalisation" with impaction of the head of the humerus into the cortical funnel of the upper metaphysis which then forms a "buffer" with a sub-acromial "camshaft effect". In addition, there may be a subjacent metaphyseal comminution or even a split in the head. These various factors render surgical treatment difficult, when it is sought to restore normal anatomical conditions by osteosynthesis, with uncertain anatomical and functional results because of the double risk of early separation of the fragments and of secondary necrosis. There exists the possibility of operation vis a transdeltoid approach which combines resection of the cortical cuff and lateral transposition with bringing down of the capsulo-tendinous layer. This simple technique has the advantage of almost invariably offering a satisfactory functional result.


[Endoscopic sphincterotomy. 362 cases (author's transl)]. In addition to its diagnostic value, endoscopic catheterisation of the papilla may be used for the therapeutic purpose of diathermy incision of the papilla and of the intraduodenal portion of the common bile duct. Endoscopic sphincterotomy of this type has been essentially used in choletithiasis and in particular for residual lithiasis. These indications may be widened to include benign stenosis of the sphincter of Oddi, tumours of the ampulla of Vater or even acute pancreatitis. In a total of 362 cases, sphincterotomy was successful in 347 patients, it being possible to remove the calculi present in 279 of the 309 patients treated with success for lithiasis of the common bile duct. Complications occur in approximately 10% of cases, being fatal in 1.4% of cases. These are essentially related to bleeding. Retrospective comparison of mortality after surgical operation and after endoscopic sphincterotomy is in favour of the latter, provided the technique employed is perfect and the indication clearly defined. Performed without general anaesthesia, endoscopic sphincterotomy is above all indicated in the elderly and/or those with other major pathology who can be successfully treated with reduced risk in 93% of cases, as shown by the 140 personal cases of the authors cured between 6 and 36 months ago.


["Low triiodothyronine (T3) syndrome": "thyroxine (T4) euthyroidism" evidence (author's transl)]. As first described in serious systemic illnesses isolated decreased T3 plasma concentration was related to impaired peripheral conversion of T4, to T3 with preferential production of reverse T3 (rT3). A "low T3 syndrome" was seen in 47 out of 109 patients with extra-thyroidal diseases. Metabolic state, TSH and TSH responses to TRH were normal despite of low T3 concentration. Euthyroidism seems mainly due to T4 itself in these patients.


[Demonstration by iron overloading study and HLA genotyping of recessive transmission of idiopathic haemochromatosis in two pseudodominant pedigrees (author's transl)]. We studied iron overloading and HLA genotype in two families with overt forms of idiopathic haemochromatosis in two successive generations. In each family the spouse of the patient with overt haemochromatosis in the first generation had clinical and laboratory signs of moderate iron overload and a HLA haplotype A3, B14 and A3, B7 respectively--which is frequently associated with the haemochromatosis gene. This specific HLA haplotype had been transmitted to the second generation patient with overt disease, which thus could be considered as having received a haemochromatosis gene from each parent. Although the finding of cases of overt disease in successive generation firstly suggests a dominant transmission the genetical analysis of these families lead to further strong argument in favour of recessive inheritance of idiopathic haemochromatosis.


[Exposure of the extracranial portion of the vertebral artery. Anatomical study--Surgical value (author's transl)]. Exposure of the vertebral artery, in particular in its extracranial course, may be of surgical value. The treatment of lesions affecting this entire artery must be discussed in the context of the revascularisation of the vessels supplying the brain. The anatomical study forms defines the features of this surgical approach. Selective vertebral arteriography and the assessment of tolerance of vertebral clamping are the main features of pre-operative evaluation.


[Particles. Aerosols. Dust (author's transl)]. After a few definitions and generalities about aerosols, the main physical properties of aerosols are reviewed: sedimentation, diffusion, coagulation, optical and electrical properties. The properties of atmospheric aerosol are also summarized.


[Meteorology and aerosols (author's transl)]. Aeorosols play a part in meteorology by the radiation and condensation phenomena but weather conditions: solar radiation, humidity, precipitations, electrical fields, stability have an important influence on the nature, the concentration and the size of aerosols; these conditions can change the effects of aerosols on human health.


[Medical aerosols devices. Technical questions and regulations (author's transl)]. In today's practice, the medical aerosols are most often composed of soluble and hygroscopic particles emitted by the evaporation of a primary aerosol of solution droplets. The instruments on the one hand and the formula of the aerosoltherapeutical solution on the other should be worked out so that the fixation of aerosol in the lung be most efficient. The main data in view of this improvement are studied: --the curve of fixation of aerosols of sodium chloride in lung and the recall of the standard curve for insoluble and inert particles; --the characteristics of medical aerosol devices subjected to approbation or still unregulated (spray can). The calculation of the doses determined in standard conditions are illustrated together with the parameters which can make them vary.


[Physical conditions favouring the trapping of submicron particles in the upper airways (author's transl)]. The present communication is based on the hypothesis that temperature gradients can exist in the upper airways, even in the trachea. Membranes lining these passages remaining physiologically humid, a mechanism of formation and growth of micron sized droplets can take place, exactly similar to the basic mechanism of the counting chamber of cloud condensation nuclei. Therefore through the catching of droplets by vibrating cilia, it can contribute to the protection of the deep respiratory system. A careful investigation of the regions where thermal gradients can occur, should enable to confirm the reality of this process, at least for some respiratory modes.


[Diffusion and retention of therapeutical aerosols in upper airways (author's transl)]. The authors make a brief synthesis of the present data on the penetration and retention of therapeutical aerosols in upper airways. They analyze the mechanisms involved during the penetration of aerosols in the regions of the upper airways which are not swept by the inspiratory airflow, particularly in the accessory cavities of nasal fossa, sinus and Eustachian tube. Experimental results reveal that diffusion of aerosols can be improved at this level either by sound vibrations, or by combining vibrations to intermittent overpressures.


[Intrapulmonary deposition of inframicron particles during inspiratory apnea (author's transl)]. An experimental approach of the intrapulmonary deposition of particles with a diameter below 1 micron, suspended in the surrounding atmosphere, was done on two normal subjects during inspiratory apnea with a Whitby impactor. The first results seem to agree with those of literature and confirm the importance of pulmonary morphometric factors in the deposition processes. Numerous methodological problems remain, but it appears that the technique would be useful to evaluate the likelyhood of deposition of submicron particles which are presently known to be pathogenic.


[Tracheo-bronchial and pulmonary depositions as measured by radioactive tracers. Study on healthy and pathological subjects (author's transl)]. The result of a study done on 52 subjects including a thorough ventilatory functional test and the radioisotopic measurement of inhaled particles deposition, by working out the TB/P ratio, revealed that: 1. giving aerosol needs an exacting technique when used for quantitative aims; 2. ratio TB/P is increased in patients with chronic broncho-pulmonary diseases, because of a predominantly tracheo-bronchial deposition of particles; 3. in patients with a satisfactory ventilatory function the TB/P ratio is increased; on the other hand in patients with ventilatory disorders, the ratio is normal. The repartition of particles deposition between the compartments TB and B depends therefore not only on factors involving ventilatory functional values but also on the physiopathological factors not included in them.


[Abnormalities in bronchial permeability after induction of a chronic SO2 bronchopathy in rat (author's transl)]. Our aim was to study the effects of a chronic exposure to SO2 on the permeability of bronchial epithelium in the rat, in vivo and in vitro, in relation with a marker (ferritin). The anatomical lesions observed in light and electron microscopy considerably increased the passage of ferritin both in vivo and in vitro through the epithelium of trachea and primary bronchi. This increase was still found although more discrete three months after the end of exposure while the histological appearance returned to normal. Those results showed that SO2 induces in upper airways functional abnormalities persisting beyond the necessary lapse of time for the repairing of histological lesions which could therefore intervene in the pathogeny of chronic bronchopathies.


[Penetration of solid particles in the respiratory system. Secondary immunity reactions to the inhalation of a dry aerosol (author's transl)]. Deposition in the respiratory system of an inhaled dry particle depends on many factors, particularly its aerodynamic diameter. The quantity deposited in each compartment of the respiratory tract can be approximately determined by mathematical laws, but ther are still controversies about large size particles. Thus pollens have been found by the authors beyond the larynx deep in the lung. The bronchopulmonary system is divided in two parts, anatomically and immunologically different. The local response, closely related to the antigen, depends also on the intimate contact between particles and the immunity defense system of the individual. Liberation and solubility of some antigenic fractions, perhaps enzymatic, would help their intra-epithelial penetration and contact with the secretory immunity system. The additional intervention of an extraepithelial response has been observed in bronchi after instillation of pollen in the rat. There is in the sensitized animal an intense cellular reaction amidst the mucous of bronchial lumen with macrophages adhering to pollen granules and forming rosettes.


[A way of evaluating the tolerance of respiratory mucosa to thermal spring water (author's transl)]. The therapeutical solutions for respiratory mucosa such as some thermal spring water must be perfectly tolerated and it is presently accepted that one of the best criteria of tolerance is the maintenance of a normal ciliary function. The photo-oscillographic techniques developed by the authors enabled the measurement of the physiological frequency of ciliary beat in vitro, and of the effect, either stimulant or inhibiting, of the thermal spring water. The measurement is done either in liquid phase by immersion of a fragment of ciliated mucosa, or in gas phase by aerosolization. At the same time it is possible to control in man the effects of thermal spring aerosols on the mucocilliary drainage by a simple technique.


[Lipids and phospholipids in the fluid of broncho-alveolar lavage. Value for the study of alveolar penetration of corticosteroids by aerosol (author's transl)]. Broncho-alveolar lavages from 13 control subjects have been studied for the following parameters : phospholipids, free fatty acids, total last parameter, through the depolarisation of Diphenylhexatriene, is independent of the recovered volume. An identical study has been performed for two bronchiolo-alveolar cancers. A treatment with hydrocortisone-containing aerosol has been associated with an increase in phospholipid amount and a drastic decrease in microviscosity. This observation suggests that the synthesis of tensio-active phospholipids is dependant of corticoids by an enzymatic induction. The effect of therapeutics given in aerosol can be monitored by the biochemical and physical modification in broncho-alveolar fluids thus obtained.


[Inhalation therapy with sulfurous water in aged patients (author's transl)]. Inhalation therapy with sulfurous waters for obstructive chronic bronchopulmonary diseases is advocated.


[Preliminary study on the use of manosonic aerosols at La Bourboule thermal springs (author's transl)]. A preliminary study of 119 observations yielded the first conclusions on the use of a new technique in thermal practice : the manosonic aerosol at La Bourboule. The best indications seem to be for sinusitis with cephalagia, allergic or not, and for the ear, hypoacusis, either by erous otitis or by repetitive otitis as well as tubal catarrh. Positive results are observed in about 75 % of cases. The limits and precautions in the use of this technique are also reported.


[Determination of plasma chromium in pregnant women at term and in the umbilical cord blood]. Plasma chrome concentrations were determined in pregnant women, in the funiculus blood of their children and in a population of a children within the first year age. Plasma chrome concentrations tend to significantly decrease during pregnancy, pointing out the effect of pregnancy on chrome metabolism. No significant variations were found in plasma chrome values both of mother blood and foetus blood. In newborn babies, plasma chrome concentrations tend to significantly increase within the first year of age.


[Oestrogen receptors determination in human breast cancer (author's transl)]. The AA. refer about the assessment of a charcoal-dextran method for the determination of oestrogens receptors in human breast cancer. Corrections for low affinity binding components are performed measuring bound 3H-17 beta estradiol in the absence and presence of non-radioactive 17 beta estradiol or diethylstilbestrol; the method has been previously studied on samples from pregnant rabbit uterus and then applied on human mammary tumors. Results achieved with the routine-utilisation of the present method are reported.


[An application of the dispersion theory in haematology (author's transl)]. A comparative study concerning dispersion theory has been carried out of patients affected by bronchiogenic cancer and normal subjects about neutrophil granulocytes frequencies. The results of this study can be drawn as follows: the patients affected by bronchiogenic cancer show the coefficient of divergence significantly higher than 1. Therefore we should think they have perhaps a quicker granulocytopoietic biorhythm than normal subjects. However the question is still debatable although the results are very suggestive.


[Adaptation to hypoxia in liver cirrhosis: the role of 2,3-DPG (author's transl)]. By observing a group of 20 patients with liver cirrhosis, we have clarified some features concerning the tissue hypoxia, which is often present in such a disease. By determining the levels of the haemoglobin and of the intraerythrocytic 2,3-DPG, and by evaluating the acid-base state of such patients, we have emphasized the increased output of the 2,3-DPG as mechanism of adaptation to hypoxia associated with hepatic cirrhosis, both in subjects with anemia and alkalosis and in subjects without anemia but with alkalosis.


[The post-transfusional toxoplasmosis (author's transl)]. The sera of 85 patients suffering from Cooley anemia, 100 normal children of the same group of age, and 550 blood donors have been tested for the presence of anti-toxoplasma antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence test. The sera of 10 thalassemic patients gave positive reactions at a dilution reaging from 1/64 to 1/2048; in 2 sera a positive reaction was obtained with specific anti-IgM antibodies, indicating an active infection. In the control group, only 2 positive sera have been found. In donors group, instead, 5 sera were positive, and in 2 cases IgM antibodies were detectable. The analysis of data confirms, although indirectly, that heavily transfused patients are at a particular risk to acquire the infection from Toxoplasma Gondii.


[Behavior of plasma NEFA in functional tests of carbohydrate metabolism]. Variations of plasma NEFA levels during oral glucose tolerance tests and after intravenous tolbutamide administration have been determined in normal subjects and in diabetic patients. The results are discussed on the bases of actual knowledges on glucose and lipid metabolisms.


[Normal values and diagnostic reliability of laboratory tests]. After an introduction on various aspects marking the reliability of analytical data, the AA. discuss the diagnostic value of laboratory tests dwelling upon three important moments regarding the necessity to examine closely the nature of biologic parameters and their nosological meaning, their statistical distribution in a population and some concepts of Normality that may be found in Clinical Chemistry.


[Contribution of the laboratory to identification of drug addicts in psychiatric practice]. The AA. describe a thin-layer chromatographic method in which two elution systems are used in order to identify some drugs of addiction previously extracted from urines belonging to patients suspected to be addicts. They also studied the possible interferences due to drugs, particularly to psychotropic drugs, in psychiatric patients. The AA. noticed enough validity in identifying such drugs of addiction and a frequent possibility to exclude doubts derived from interfering substances. Some interferences seem to indicate the necessity of further careful studies.


Dental pantomography. The orthopantomograph: a method of patient positioning. The shape of the "in-focus" zone or focal trough given by the Orthopantomograph machine is shown. The anterior part of this zone is only 6 mm in thickness. The roots of the incisor teeth should, if possible, be placed accurately in this zone and a method of achieving this is suggested.


The Nicholas Research Award for Radiographers 1977: anatomical and radiological registration in whole body computed tomography. Accurate registration of a section 13 mm in depth in different patients or reregistration in the same patient during whole body computed tomography is a significant problem. The method described here attempts to overcome some of these difficulties. The feasibility of using the EMI Scanner X-ray tube and a pair of Kodak Lanex intensifying screens in a vacuum pack cassette has been examined. A registration system which as an accuracy to within 1 pixel has been described. This technique has its major application in the registration and recognition of the axial skeleton, on fixed bony structures. The registration of soft tissue structures, subject to greater physiological variation poses problems which are the subject of further investigation.


[Neutron activation analysis of trace elements in sea water samples (author's transl)]. Analytical values of trace elements in sea water samples have been fluctuated according to the sampling locations, the analytical procedures and so on. It is very important in marine chemistry to elucidate the cause of such concentration variations. This report is the analytical results of the samples obtained in the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Japan, by means of neutron activation analysis. As the preconcentration, APDC-chelate extraction and freeze-drying were adopted. The specimens obtained by this extraction from 500 or 800 ml samples were irradiated by KUR reactor for 1 min, 1 hr to 10 hrs and the gamma-ray spectrometry with a Ge(Li) detector was used for the determination of V, Mn, Cu, Zn, U, Fe, Co, Ni, Ag, Sb and Au. By about 80 hrs irradiation of the specimens obtained by freeze-drying from 20 ml samples and their gamma-ray spectrometry, Sc, Cr, Fe, Co, Zn, Rb, Sr, Ag, Sb and Cs were determined. The former procedure gives concentrations of elements in species reactable with APDC, but the latter method shows entire concentrations of the elements in the sea water samples. Some considerations on the analytical values and the comparisons of the both methods are described.


[99mTc-2-mercaptopropionylglycine: different biliary excretion behavior in different animal species (author's transl)]. Labeling of 2-mercaptopropionylglycine (2-MPG) with 99mTc, was studied and its chemical characteristics were examined. Further, biliary excretion behavior of this complex was comparatively estimated in mice, rats, and rabbits. 99mTc-2-MPG was rapidly excreted in large quantities into the bile in mice and rats: within 1 hr after injection, 51% of the injected dose was recovered from the bile in rats. On the other hand, the ligand exchange reaction between this complex and penicillamine indicates that a low hydrolyzed 99mTc species is coordinated with 2-MPG. These results suggest that a low hydrolyzed 99mTc is an effective feature in biliary excretion behavior of 99mTc compounds. Another interesting in vivo behavior of 99mTc-2-MPG is the difference observed in mice and rabbits: in mice, very high 99mTc activity is concentrated in the gallbladder and the clearance from tissues other than the gallbladder is rapid, whereas in rabbits, although a rapid and high excretion into the gallbladder is observed, a considerable high 99mTc activity is retained in the liver and the kidney. One reasons for this different in vivo behavior is the low stability of this complex at high dilution: a big animal has the large dilution volume which lead to higher decomposition estimated by the higher liver and kidney retention or the lower bile excretion. In conclusion, studies carried on 99mTc-2-MPG showed a good biliary excretion behavior but an in vivo unstableness in big animals.


[Imaging of the bronchial blood flow usingg RI-angiography--study on its procedure and application of dual radioisotope technique (author's transl)]. RI-angiography with 99mTcO4- was carried out using a scintillation camera with a digital minicomputer for the purpose of imaging of bronchial blood flow in various lung diseases, and as application of dual radioisotope techniques, other imagings such as tumor imaging with 197HgCl2 or 67Ga-citrate and/or perfusion imaging with 99mTc-MAA, were performed simultaneously in patients remaining the same position, too. The image as a iso-count map extracted out of the image of 197HgCl2, 67Ga-citrate or 99mTc-MAA, was superimposed to the brightness image of RI-anigogram (aortic phase). By these procedures, the image of bronchial blood flow were obtained in some patients with lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, lung abscess, and chronic bronchitis. The dual radioisotope techniques using RI-angiography and the other imaging were useful to make isotope diagnosis of lung diseases more reliable, and the image superimposition methods using RI-angiogram and the image of tumor or perfusion, were useful to improve anatomic orientation of the former.


[Plain abdominal film in neoplasms of the large bowel. - A comparative study with a population of normal subjects (author's transl)]. A comparative study was performed between plain abdominal films of 110 patients with neoplasms of the large bowel and 52 normal subjects for control. In neoplasms of the right colon the failed spontaneous visualization of caecum and ascendent colon or the direct recognization of lume's deformation allow us to suspect such a lesions in about 90% of the cases. Neoplasms of the other tracts of the large bowel may be suspected only when plain abdominal film demonstrates direct evidence of an obstruction: in about 25% of the cases.


[The role of computed axial tomography in pancreatic emergencies (author's transl)]. The role of CT in acute diseases of the pancreas is discussed, in the light of personal experience (25 cases). In acute pancreatitis (22 cases), CT was useful in particular for: differential diagnosis between the necrotic-hemorrhagic type and the edematous type; detection of extra-pancreatic collections and evaluation of their extent; post-operative follow-up of necrotic-hemorrhagic pancreatitis. In the other more rare empergencies (3 cases), CT could recognize respectively the rupture of an infected pseudo-cyst, and intra-cystic hemorrhage, a mediastinitis due to the spread of ascitic fluid containing pancreatic enzymes into the mediastinum. CT always provided diagnostic information which the other radiological techniques did not provide; therefore in acute diseases of the pancreas CT is the method of choice.


[Echographic evaluation of nontraumatic abdominal emergencies (author's transl)]. The authors illustrate the diagnostic possibilities of echography in the evaluation of the nontraumatic abdominal emergencies. They first refer about the methods of investigation and the scanning techniques. Then they illustrate the value of echography in the evaluation of the acute cholecystitis and pancreatitis pointing out the sensitivity of this procedure to the detection of the spread of the infections to the peritoneum and to the retroperitoneal spaces. The authors also present the echographic findings in the acute pathology of the retroperitoneum and of the female pelvic organs. Finally they emphasize the diagnostic value of ultrasounds in the search of the abdominal causes of the acute anemia and of the fever of unknown origin and as a preliminary investigation in case of actue renal failure.


[Echo-angiocardiographic correlations in congenital abnormalities of the mitral valve (author's transl)]. Echocardiographic findings satisfactorily compared with angiocardiographic data in six infants affected by congenital abnormalities of the mitral valve. Peculiar echocardiographic features were as follows: a) mitral stenosis: reduced E-F slope of the anterior mitral leaflet, paradoxical diastolic movement of the posterior leaflet, enlargement of the left atrium; b) "parachute mitral valve": small, dysmorphic, stiff mitral valve, with an extra echo projecting between those of the two leaflets; c) "cor triatriatum": enlarged left atrium whose cavity is divided in two portions by an extra echo; d) "hypoplastic left heart syndrome": the mitral leaflets are thin, short. The ventricular cavity and the diameter of the aorta are small; the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery are on the contrary markedly dilated.


[Evaluation of the chest roentgenograms of 90 workers employed in the production of silicon-alloys (author's transl)]. The chest X-rays (double exposed; focus 0.6 X 0.6 mm2; grid 10:1 ratio; FFD 2.0 m) of 90 workers employed in the production of silicon-alloys were classified according to ILO U/C 1971: 14 have been considered "border line" and 14 showed definite pathologic findings. Among the last, 10 concerned subjects who had never previously been exposed to ther dusts.


[Conventional and computerized tomographic study of blow-out fractures of the orbit (author's transl)]. The authors describe two cases of blow-out fractures of the orbit studied by conventional and computerized tomography and stress the opportunities and limits of the procedures.


[Considerations about a case of a large neuroma of the acoustic nerve (author's transl)]. The authors, referring to a personal case of a giant acoustic neuroma, stress how the diagnosis of neuroma of the VIII nerve is late discovery. Actually traditional radiological methods and CT would allow the diagnosis of acoustic neuroma in a very early stage with easier possibilities of surgical treatment and less neurological collateral effects.


[Sphenoidal pneumosinus dilatans: a case report (author's transl)]. Pneumosinus dilatans is an abnormal dilatation of a paranasal cavity containing air only. The case described here can be added to the 51 cases in the literature. Various pathogenetic theories have been proposed: mucocele, intrasinus hypertension, inflammation, endocrine disorder. The authors suggest that this pathological form is the result of overextension of a normal process in the morphogenesis of the sinuses. The symptomatology depends on the location and on the rate of onset of the dilatation.


[A program for optimizing radiation beam parameters in radiotherapy (author's transl)]. A very large-use optimization technique for radiation treatment planning is presented. Very few input data are sufficient to enable the program to work out an optimized dose distribution; optimization is obtained by modifying the intersection point of beams and the size, the wedge and the time of each beam. The technique may be extended to moving beam teletherapy. A memorized collection of typical geometric arrangements allows a good saving in operator's time especially during data preparation.


[Mammary focal scleroelastotic lesion (author's transl)]. Mammary focal scleroelastotic lesions are a newly recognized entity, with mammographic and macroscopic features simulating an infiltrating carcinoma but with benign microscopic features. The authors report two cases of this mammary lesion.


[Neuroblastoma: radiological findings in 124 cases (author's transl)]. All the pertinent radiographs of 124 patients with histologically proven neuroblastoma were evaluated. The radiological features of the primary tumor and radiographic characteristics of metastases were also analyzed. Finally the value of radiological investigations to define the diffusion of the disease in comparison with laboratory and clinical findings were considered.


[Selective catheterization of cervical and mediastinic veins by subclavian approach (author's transl)]. The authors present the selective catheterization of the veins of the neck and mediastinum via the subclavian vein. Benefits and complications of the technique are discussed. The subclavian approach is very helpfull and technique of choice when the femoral route is not available.


[Role of phlebography in the radiodiagnosis of aneurysms of the limbs (author's transl)]. Three observations of peripheral aneurysms complicated by venous compression or thrombosis are reported. The clinical and angiographic patterns referred to popliteal, femoral and subclavian localization suggest the role of phlebography in all cases of aneurysms of the limbs.


[Metaphyseal chondrodysplasia with atypical vertebral changes in a case of anorchism (author's transl)]. A case of metaphyseal chondrodysplasia with testicular dysgenesis, hair aplasia, hormonal and somatic features partially indicative of Noonan's syndrome, followed from 6 to 14 years, is described. The associated vertebral changes can be referred to same chondrodysplasic process; persistence of intermediate cartilage and precocious discal damage contribute in vertebral morphogenesis.


[Skeletal changes in Wolf's syndrome (4p--) and in Klinefelter quadrisomy (author's transl)]. Clinical-genetic research is at present foundamental to the diagnosis of diseases caused by cromosome abnormalities. Radiologic investigation is necessary to complete the diagnosis evincing morphologic and skeletric changes peculiar to each disease.


[Routine double contrast examination of the stomach: results and considerations on personal experience (author's transl)]. The results are presented on the double contrast investigation of the stomach performed during routine hospital activity. Purposes of the work are to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the method and to suggest the location of the diagnostic investigation. 602 consecutive patients were examined and 188 out of these underwent endoscopy. The diagnostic accuracy of the method was evaluated at gastroscopic control. Moreover the cost of the method was considered, in order to evaluate the possible routine application of the method in the hospitals.


[Role of angiography in studying posttraumatic abdominal masses in pediatric patients]. In infancy and neonatal period, post-traumatic space-occupying masses often can be associated to malignant, clinically not identified, lesions. Radiodiagnostic non-invasive techniques cannot, in many cases, demonstrate extension, nature and localization of such a lesion, when angiography, in personal experience, shows quite even malignancy and extension without false negatives, and is essential, in our opinion, for evaluation of therapeutic policy and follow-up.


[Unilateral alveolar effusions (author's transl)]. The unilateral alveolar effusions can be divided into two groups: those which take place in an already diseased lung (ipsilateral), and those which take place in the healthy one (contralateral). Starting from the most recent literature, the causes of the two different radiological features are discussed. Some cases of alveolar effusions, both ipsilateral and contralateral, are reported.


[Xeroradiographic diagnosis of bone tumours (author's transl)]. The value and drawbacks of xeroradiography were evaluated on 130 patients with benign and malignant bone tumors, 93 of which (72%) were submitted to histological control. Xeroradiography was compared to standard film radiography in 115 cases (88%). In 57 cases (50%), xeroradiography appeared to be more effective than film radiography; it was less effective in 17 cases (15%) and the two techniques were substantially equivalent in the remaining 41 (35%). The best results of xeroradiography were found in malignant tumors, in particular in the presence of an extraosseous spread of the lesion, and it was highly effective in Ewing's sarcoma. According to the sites examined, xeroradiography was more effective in the skeleton of the extremities, while the examination of the trunk and the head were frequently unsatisfactory due to the low sensitivity of this technique. Xeroradiography is held to be an useful second-line examination, to be performed in neoplastic lesions of the limb bones, for the search of small trabecular irregularities, of periosteal reactions or of extraosseous spread of the tumor.


[Bone lesions in vibration induced disease: radiological study (author's transl)]. The authors examined 52 miners affected by Raynaud's phenomenon caused by vibrating instruments, mainly checking the involvement of the osteoarticular system. They found, in the articulation of the upper limbs, in addition to generic signs of arthrosis, zones of bone reabsorption (vacuoles), especially as regard the wrist and hands, and irregularities of the tufts. The authors consider these lesions as important feature of the technopathy.


[Stenosis of the lumbar spinal canal and dolichophalangy in a case of dyschondrosteosis (author's transl)]. A case of dyschondrosteosis in a 13 years old boy, with multiple epiphyseal changes, atypical Madelung's deformity, stenosis of the lumbar spinal canal and dolichophalangy is described. Skeletal changes show manifold characters of resemblance with those encountered in Turner's syndrome. An osteogenetic defect affecting chiefly mesenchymal cells surrounding the epiphyseal plate is supposed. Stenosis of the lumbar spinal canal is not previously reported.


[Evaluation by EMI CT 5005 Scanner of bone mineral contents variations. A proposed skeletal index for clinical use (author's transl)]. Two groups of subjects, ranging from 20 to 40 years of age the first and from 65 to 85 years the second, have been submitted to bone density measurements by EMI CT 5005 All-Purpose Scanner (140 kV; 28 mAs) and the average values compared. The difference between the average values of the two groups has been taken as a scale of points to evaluate the mineral contents of bone. By the group of older subjects the loss in trabecular bone (lumbar spine L2/L3) proved to be 59.51 EMI units, corresponding to the 47.6% of the mineral contents (p = < 0.01); the loss in compact bone (femur) was 6.6 EMI units corresponding to 5.28% of the mineral contents (p = < 5). The trabecular bone and compact bone average values added together give a whole-skeleton mineral contents index. This index applied to the group of older subjects showed a diminution of 65.81 EMI units indicating a 52.6% loss of mineral contents. Repeated measurements taken at a distance of time proved the method to be fairly reliable with acceptable degree of accuracy (+/- 5%). A tentative approach to clinical use of the skeletal index gave satisfying results.


[Percutaneous biopsy of the lungs: 136 biopsies in 80 patients (author's transl)]. The authors analyze their experience on 136 percutaneous biopsies of the lung performed on 80 patients during 3 years. Indications are given with particular reference to the technique, to the type of the needles used and the expedients adopted in order to reduce the complications. Patients to be subjected to biopsy should be correctly and carefully selected. To this purpose, the authors present a protocol used for the patients affected by localized or diffused, single or multiple pulmonary lesions. Percutaneous needle biopsy of the lung assumes a precise role in the numerous diagnostic studies on these patients. The technique is considered in some cases essential to the right management of the patient. In other cases, instead, it is considered superfluous or too risky for the presence of contraindications. As demonstrated by authors' experience, supported by others, the method has appeared easy to perform and apt to provide good diagnostic results.


[Radiological examination of corpora cavernosa in the lesions of the penis (author's transl)]. Corpus cavernosography is described and some technical processes to improve the morphological response and to reduce local accidents are discussed. Considering several lesions of the penis, the usefulness of cavernosography is emphasized in order to programme a timely and adequate therapy. A series of cases is reported.


[Computed tomography in subarachnoidal hemorrhage provoked by multiple aneurysms (author's transl)]. Computed tomography (CT) scans have been made on 8 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and multiple aneurysms. This technique is useful to show the distribution of blood, to predict the location of the ruptured aneurysms, to avoid the lumbar puncture and at last to give valuable informations on the changes of the brain parenchima in the patient's clinical evolution.


[The water test in the demonstration of gastroesophageal reflux and of an unsuspected reflux esophagitis (author's transl)]. Further report on the importance of routine "water test" in the demonstration of an unsuspected gastroesophageal reflux and possible associated reflux esophagitis. Analysis based on 24,106 consecutive and unselected gastrointestinal tract examinations and description of the technique.


[A rare complication of metastatic peri-articular calcifications in chronic uremia: articular bone erosions (author's transl)]. A rare complication was observed of the peri-articular metastatic calcifications in patients in periodic hemodialysis, suffering from chronic uremia: the subcondral bone erosions adjacent to the calcifications. Three cases are described. A discussion follows concerning the pathogenesis of the lesion, which has not yet been reported in literature, as far as known by the authors.


[Pharmacoradiology of the urinary bladder (author's transl)]. A complete urodynamic evaluation is possible only on the basis of multichannel recordings (pressure gradients, flow rate and outflow resistance, electromiography) and X-ray. The pharmacoradiology of the urinary bladder (experimental or therapeutic employment of cholinergic and adrenergic drugs) requires the knowledge of urodynamic parameters and neurophysiology of the micturition.


[X-ray diagnosis of malignant breast calcifications. (author's transl)]. The authors have taken into consideration the different features of malignant breast tumor calcification. Frequent, rare and extremely rare radiological pictures will be shown and a differential diagnosis with benign micro-calcifications will be considered. A correct mammographic and xerographic technical performance is absolutely necessary to enhance the images of the smallest micro-calcifications. At last we assess the importance of a radiographic control of the surgical blocks, after conservative surgery of the breast, to assure a complete removal of microcalcifications.


[Ecographic studies of 72 aneurysms of the abdominal aorta (author's transl)]. The authors, studying 72 abdominal aortic aneurysms by ultrasounds, show the main diagnostic problems of this pathology. These aneurysms are divided into two classes: the silent and the acute ones; the second group includes the atherosclerotic aneurysms in rupture and the dissecting aneurysms. Ecography is considered as a preliminar test in the evaluation of the aneurysms of the first group, allowing, in case of good results, the surgical operation without other invasive tests. Ultrasounds can also reduce problems of differential diagnosis. In case of non dissecting acute aneurysms, ecography leads to a quick diagnosis, allowing sudden surgery. In case of dissecting aneurysms, angiography remains the best examination, except those rare cases with atypical symptoms.


[Lumbar phlebography: anatomy and technique (author's transl)]. This article describes the normal radiological anatomy of the epidural veins whose understanding is necessary for the correct interpretation of venographic studies. Three ways of achieving adequate visualization of the epidural venous plexus are described. Experience with 80 cases is reported; a comparison has been made among the degree of visualization of the epidural venous plexus, the length of time, the cost and the amount of radiation received by the operator and patients during the performance of each technique. Preference is expressed for simultaneous injection of contrast media via two needles introduced into right and left femoral veins.


[A contribution for the radiological study in the open hydatic cysts of the kidney (author's transl)]. An observation of an open hydatic cyst of the kidney led the author to discuss, on the basis of pathologic correlation, about the possibilities and limits in the radiological study of renal hydatidosis, in general, and of open forms, in particular. Since pielography is still the only research in a position to show very suggesting radiological findings for the diagnosis of this form of hydatidosis, whose personal case is almost a paradigmatic example, the author emphasizes the need to apply it in these occurrences.


[Chromosome aberrations in subject occupationally exposed to radiation. Statistical analysis (author's transl)]. The percentage of subjects affected by different chromosomes aberrations, does not differ in subjects occupationally exposed to radiations and in controls. On the other hand the higher percentage of aberrations in the total number of cells in radioexposed subjects is highly significant. Severe limitations employing the cariotipic investigation for insurance finalities are prospected.


[The echotomographic patterns of the normal liver. (A comparison between real-time and gray-scale images) (author's transl)]. The echotomographic anatomy of the right hypocondrium and of the epigastrium is considered, with special regard to the many anatomical structures which can be evaluated in the different scanning planes. This anatomic study has been accomplished by means of real-time and manual gray-scale scanners. Echotomograms obtained with both types of equipment are presented. A special emphasis has been given to the topographical relationships between parenchymal and vascular structures.


[Investigation on the renal clearance of metylglucamine diatrizoate and of sodium and metylglucamine diatrizoate (author's transl)]. In 14 patients the kinetics has been studied of two contrast media labelled with 131I, and namely of MGM diatrizoate and of diatrizoate of sodium and MGM. The clearance was determined both at basal concentrations and in double concentration by means of external counting. The results were statistically studied by means of the linear regression method. The authors conclude that the MGM diatrizoate is exclusively eliminated through the glomeruli both in basal and double concentration. The diatrizoate of sodium and MGM is eliminated in low concentration through the glomeruli, while in double concentration it is partially eliminated through the tubuli.


[The dynamic ecology of virus-vector system (author's transl)]. The phenomenon of arbovirus transmission by their vectors is based upon the constitution of virus-vector systems, not only at the species level, but also at an infra-specific level. The study of such systems leads to consider some particular aspects of their ecology which can have important epidemiological consequences (selection of viral clones by the vector, transovarial and sexual transmissions). Finely the authors approach the question of evolution of virus-vector systems, which appear as adaptative, functional and temporary associations.


[Geographical pathology and the working environment (author's transl)]. The geographical, or, more generally, the topographical approach to health and disease has common and important applications in occupational health studies. Analysis of disease occurrence (prevalence and incidence) by area may be carried out at three levels of observation: within the working environment, when different areas usually correspond to different exposures to potentially noxious agents; in the locality where the working environment is situated, which may be affected, for example, by routine industrial discharges or by pollution following accidents; and in the region which includes the locality. Epidemiological tools for the spatial investigation of disease occurrence at each of these levels are reviewed and exemplified, and possible sources of confounding and bias (positive and negative) are emphasized. Attention is particularly drawn to "false negative" results arising in occupational studies because of dilution of an excess risk limited to only some of the workers operating in a defined area.


[Geographic pathology of cardiovascular diseases in Belgium (author's transl)]. The association in many populations of the fat content of the diet and frequency of ischemic heart disease is mentioned. The author gives a summary of papers showing on one hand, a high correlation between the content of the diet in saturated fatty acids and ischemic heart disease morbidity and mortality rates, and, on the other hand, the protective effect of a change towards more polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet. Several teams of Belgian researchers have recently published new facts on this matter. In the Northern Flemish speaking part of the country, saturated fatty acids have been partially replaced by polyunsaturated fatty acids from vegetable sources. This change has been followed by a general decrease of ischemic heart disease incidence, prevalence and mortality rates. In the Southern French speaking part of the country, the alimentary changes have not occurred so far; the ischemic heart disease morbidity and mortality rates stand higher.


[Relationship of sodium intake and arterial hypertension. Contribution of geographical epidemiology (author's transl)]. 1. In 28 populations over the world, are available both mean daily sodium intake and trend of the means of blood pressure in adulthood (in order to compute the slope of linear regression of pressure over age). In both sexes, the sodium intake is very significantly correlated with systolic and diastolic slopes, with systolic and diastolic pressures at age 50, and with systolic pressure at age 20. 2. In limited geographic areas, hypertension appears to be always more prevalent in the communities having the larger sodium intake. 3. Low salt intake communities are always primitive. The positive trend of blood pressure with larger salt intake might be also attributed to acculturation process, body weight increase, and diminution of potassium intake. 4. The data now available lead to advise, as soon as possible in life, a prevention of hypertension based upon reduction of sodium intake and increase of vegetable potassium intake.


[Geochemistry and cardiovascular diseases (author's transl)]. Cardiovascular diseases are often found to be associated with certain physicochemical characteristics of the environment - namely, the hardness of the water and the types of rock and soil underlying the area. Areas supplied with soft water usually have higher cardiovascular death rates than do areas supplied with hard water. Evidence linking cardiovascular diseases with the geochemistry of rocks and soils is more limited. The nature of these associations is still speculative but it is possible that certain trace elements are involved, some being beneficial and others harmful. Further epidemiological studies to identify these various trace elements are desirable.


[Geographic pathology and digestive tract cancers. Present status and prospects (author's transl)]. Geographic pathology has largely contributed to our knowledge of the epidemiology of digestive tract cancers. The characteristics of spatial and temporal distribution of oesophagus, stomach, colon and rectum cancers are described. The paper further discusses how more detailed breakdowns in geographic pathology might suggest new working hypotheses; this is illustrated by examples taken from recent literature.


[Sudan-savanna and rain-forest onchocerciasis in West Africa: an epidemiological problem (author's transl)]. A Sudan-savanna and a rain forest onchocerciasis have been described in West Africa. These two patterns of onchocerciasis have in common many epidemiological features but in hyperendemic areas there is a very essential difference between the two. In savanna the prevalence of serious ocular lesions and blindness due to onchocerciasis are much higher than in forest. Therefore attempting to explain these differences five groups of factors (or working hypothesis) are reviewed: --factors related to the vectors; --onchocerca-simulium couples; --different Onchocerca volvulus strains; --factors related to the human-host; --other varied factors: nutritional factors, concomitant ocular infections, luminousness of savanna, periods of transmission... A critical examination of these hypothesis brings to the conclusion that according to our present knowledge the main difference between savanna and rain-forest onchocerciasis may be due to degrees in pathogenicity of different strains of O. volvulus but these hypothesis have not been proved formally. More the part of concomitant factors (co-factors), themselves related to bioclimactic zones must not be ruled out.


[Geographic distribution in some latin countries of cancers of the alimentary tract (author's transl)]. Geographic distribution in some latin countries of cancers of the alimentary tract. A comparison of alimentary tract cancer incidence rates has been undertaken from the results of 5 latin cancer registries. The most striking features are the high incidence rates for gastric cancers in the provinces of Zaragoza and Piemont, for colorectal cancers in the canton of Geneva, and in the countries of Côte-d'Or and Bas-Rhin. Tumour localization in the large bowel differs significantly between Geneva and the French counties. The canton of Geneva has the highest rate for cancer of the pancreas, French countries for cancer of the oesophagus in males. Sex ratio for primary cancer of the liver differs considerably from one region to another.


[Relationship between attention and mu rhythms in the cat and the monkey (author's transl)]. Recording from the cat and monkey parietal cortex reveals the existence of three categories of spontaneous rhythmic activities, with different frequencies, that have the same reactivity and localization as the mu rhythm in man. Each of these rhythms corresponds to a different level of attention and can be preferentially determined through placing the subject in a given situation. The fastest rhythms are observed when the subject displays an attentive behaviour toward a significant target, while those of intermediate frequency are seen during a period of expectancy (like watching a mouse-hole). The slowest rhythms occur when the subject does not show interest to its surrounding. A hypothesis is proposed that mu rhythms are involved in the neurophysiological mechanisms of attention.


[Methodological aspects of a renewed study of ascending activation of mesencephalic reticular origin (author's transl)]. The phenomena of activation of the thalamocortical systems at the cellular level consist of an increase in the level of spontaneous discharges from thalamo- and corticifugal neurones, an increase in their reactivity to antidromic volleys, and inhibitory processes with rapid development. All these events occur on a base of EEG desynchronization, can be provoked by electrical stimulation of the reticular formation, but are also observed during active behaviocal states: waking periods and desynchronized sleep. After a brief analysis of the contradictions arising from studies on the ascending reticular system using the conventional methods of stimulation-lesion, the results of micro-injections of kainic acid into the mesencephalic reticular formation, compound which excites and then destroys intrinsic neurones without affecting passing fibres, are presented. The qualities necessary for conducting a study at the unitary level are the physiological identification of reticular neurones with rostral projection, and the analysis of their activity to test two hypotheses: that these neurones maintain the tonic phenomena of thalamocortical activation, and that precursor alterations in their activity could be the basis for transitions between synchronized sleep and the waking state. The data resulting from the unitary analysis of the mesencephalic reticular neurones physiologically identified in the behaving animal will be presented to support these hypotheses.


[Research into the electrophysiological effects of nicotine and their interpretation as arousal or sedation mechanisms (author's transl)]. The effect of nicotine on the nervous system during rapid smoking of two calibrated cigarettes was measured in twenty subjects: light, medium, heavy and non-smokers, across the changes of a number of electrophysiological variables and in different situations. Although some systems are consistently activated: with rapid EEG rhythms and EDG, others depending upon sub-grouping are activated or, conversely, are depressed or sedated (alpha and theta rhythm enhancement), the passive situations selected being opposed to the active situations. Attempts to explain this phenomenon seem to be dependent on the hypothesis that combination of environmental constraints and certain personalities or constitutions leads smokers who implicitly seek a sedative effect in smoking to administer themselves with a relatively low dose of nicotine by virtue of the varied modulations in their manner of smoking: the effective volume of puffs and the interval between puffs, whilst those who wish to stimulate themselves or arouse their cerebral cortex automatically take a considerably higher dose.


[Voluntary synchronization and desynchronization of alpha rhythm by retroaction of EEG rhythms. Preliminary study (author's transl)]. Research was carried out on twenty subjects on the volontary control of alpha rythm by retroaction. Retroaction was provided in real time as a sound indicating the presence of alpha bursts or the intervals between bursts when reaching a pre-selected amplitude threshold, in such a way as to ensure that the alpha Index of the control situation (LB) reached about 50% of its total length. There are five situations per session: the initial state or base line (LB), relaxation with eyes closed (DF) and eyes open (DO), concentration with eyes closed (CF)and eyes open (CO), each situation being subdivided into 4 one-minute sequences. Subjects are informed about the alpha Index achieved at the end of each sequence, thus creating a periodic reinforcement. From the outset, three subjects showed an evident ability to increase or decrease at will the alpha occurrence rate, which gradually improved as the sequences progressed. Three other subjects showed that the same ability but to a lesser extent. Subjects confirmed that the feedback signal helped them to determine the most effective strategy for voluntary control, thus indicating that training is possible and that it is greatly facilitated by feedback, at least in the early stages. A detailed analysis of the recordings has made it possible for us to formulate hypotheses about the most important aspects of this control.


[Hippocampal EEG in dog, cat and man (author's transl)]. A comparative neurophysiological study of the reactivity of hippocampal EEG in dog, cat and human (an epileptic patient with chronically indwelling electrodes) was carried out. In all 3 species the same type of qualitative changes in hippocampal spectral parameters in the theta frequency band (peak frequency, peak amplitude and rhythmicity) in relation to behavioural tasks was encountered. These results were obtained by means of computing triggered averages of spectral parameters in relation to behavioural events. Both in dog and in cat it was found that transitions in behaviour from a low intensity (e.g. sitting) to a high intensity (e.g. walking) motor activity were accompanied by an increase in the value of the afore mentioned spectral parameters. In man a similar relation between such a transition in gross motor behaviour and hippocampal EEG was, however, not observed. The highest frequencies in the theta band appeared in man to be related to "verbal behaviour and writing". In all 3 species the following generalization appeared to hold; when the same behavioural state occurs at different levels of intensity, a higher intensity of the behaviour--as measured in terms of its motor components--is related to higher values for the spectral parameters of the hippocampal EEG.


[Emotional and attentive interferences and slow cerebral potentials (CNV-P 300) (author's transl)]. A study was conducted to establish possible correlations between electrophysiological indices and performance under neutral situations and those involving completing a double task of increasing complexity, by studying CNV and P 300 in young healthy men. The results demonstrated that: 1. After habituation, the CNV amplitudes were not related to performance. A significant correlation was noted only during the most complex tasks. 2. The CNV appears to depend mainly on endogenous factors, that is to say the aptitude and readiness of an individual to treat the information, rather than on the performance resulting from this treatment. 3. The amplitude of the P 300 is related to performance, as a function of detection rate and the complexity of the tasks. The functional duality of the CNV and the differences between it and the P 300 have been emphasized. The indices obtained from slow potentials appear to be of value for an evaluation of behaviour. Rather than analyzing the characteristics of the potentials in a supposedly "neutral" situation it would appear preferable to establish, from the indices, profiles of individual reactivity and adaptation to different experimental situations.


[Comparative study of the CNV and the quantitative EEG during a simple motor task (author's transl)]. The purpose of this study was to evaluate CNV amplitude variability and its degree of covariance with the spontaneous EEG (quantified by FFT algorithm) and the reaction time. 14 healthy male subjects made from atypical for one hour, and they had to keep their eyes closed. Recordings were during this period. CNV experimental paradigm was performed (S1--S2 = 1500 msec). The major findings of this study were that: 1) the CNV amplitude progressively decreased during the first part of the test (habituation) and then tended to stabilize. While not correlated with the vigilance index of spontaneous EEG (alpha/theta + delta index) the CNV amplitude was significantly related to the alpha reactivity index (% alpha of spontaneous EEG--% alpha of the S1--S2 EEG), 2) the CNV slope (calculated by drawing two points situated at 600 msec and 1400 msec after S1) showed significant relationship to both these EEG indices and the reaction time. These data are discussed in terms of Cooper's distinction between "scopeutic" and "categoric" processes (1978) and in terms of the Tecce model of the CNV (1972).


[Synchronization of various physiological parameters during the waking state in man (author's transl)]. Various physiological parameters (EEG, EKG, EOG, EMG), and behavioural activities were measured during 8 working hours in 40 subjects divided into 4 groups according to their age and occupation (35 and 50 years, specially skilled workmen and university workers). Several moments of synchronization between the different parameters were defined; they were characterized by reduction or suppression of the theta index, an increase in the alpha index, an increase in number of blinkings, a drop in muscle tone, and variations in heart rate, accompanied by modifications in work activity. The variation observed during these synchronized moments is an overall change in all the parameters and is not systematically related to just one of them. The synchronized moments last for about 8 minutes and are more frequent and better individualized in university personnel than in workmen. The average interval between them is 93 minutes with large intra and inter-variability between individuals. They are longer in 50-year-old subjects whatever the type of activity. The authors compare these moments of synchronization with ultradian rhythms described by other authors.