[Epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in Costa Rica: the importance of domestic rodents]. A positive dye test for Toxoplasma antibodies was observed in 5% of 100 mice (Mus musculus) and 30.4% of 23 rats (Rattus norvegicus and R. rattus). The parasite was isolated from two mice. The animals were captured in several urban localities in the metropolitan area of San José, Costa Rica. The number of positive animals found appears to be enough to infect cats, whose principal source of infections are the Toxoplasma cysts in the rodents. Therefore it is apparent that domestic mice and rats, besides the felines play an important role in the epidemiology of Toxoplasmosis in Costa Rica. Additional studies showed that the presence of Eimeria falciformis, a common coccidian in domestic mice, did not inhibit the Toxoplasma infections in these rodents.


[Teaching of anatomy in school of dentistry: evaluation of achievement (author's transl)]. An experience of application didactics to the teaching of Anatomy in Dentistry's School was performed. The general part of Anatomy--Systems of the Human Body--was given and evaluated according to the subjects aims of this paper. It were also presented the experience characteristics and the degree of student's achievement in the differents groups was statistically analysed.


The effect of N-2-cyano-ethylamphetamine. HCl on total lipid contents of placenta and some material and fetal tissues of the rat. Female rats received 1.25 mg/kg body weight of N-2-cyano-ethylamphetamine. HCl (Fenproporex chlorhydrate) by oral route, once daily from the 5th to the 21st day of pregnancy, and compared to untreated pregnant rats, showed an increased total lipid content in maternal blood and fetal hearts; liver and heart have had total lipids decrease, while in placenta and fetal livers they were not observed significant differences.


[Comparative assay between PPD-Rt 23 and PPD-T in a school population (author's transl)]. 226 students of both sexes from 12 to 14 years old were examined for tuberculin hypersensitivity with PPD-Rt 23 and PPD-T antigens. Strong reactions (greater than or equal to 10 mm diameter) were noted in 25,2 and 23,5% of the population, respectively. Individuals showing a weak or no reaction to PPD-Rt 23 had a weaker reaction to PPD-T, but those with a strong reaction to PPD-Rt 23 had an equivalent reaction with PPD-T.


[Prevalence of mycobacterial infection in school children of Rio de Janeiro city (author's transl)]. Skin-test were performed in 226 students, 12 to 14 years old, in a Rio de Janeiro elementary school using PPD-Rt23, PPD-G210 and PPD-B. The differential tuberculin test using these three antigens showed that 24,3% of the children presented a stronger reaction for non-tuberculous mycobacterial tuberculins than to PPD-Rt23, suggesting that infections with such organisms may occur. A high proportion (74,5%) showed the strongest reaction with PPD-G210 and probably this antigen is the most interesting to be used simultaneously with PPD-Rt23. Children with the largest tuberculin reaction to PPD-Rt23 represented 27,4% of the total. This group consists of individuals who have had a tuberculous infection. The third group (48,3%) provided evidence for a heterogeneous sensitization with the tubercle bacillus and at least one atypical mycobacteria.


[Molluscicidal properties of the Euphorbia cotinifolia L (author's transl)]. The hexanic extract from the leaves of Euphorbia cotinifolia L. has been experimentally used as molluscicide against Biomphalaria glabrata. The extract was fractionated and the most actives fractions were those of numbers 6 and 7. The lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90 obtained using fraction 6 against adult snails were 1,2 and 2,4 ppm; for the eggs they were 25,0 and 48,0 ppm. With fraction 7 the lethal concentrations were 1,4 and 3,4 ppm for adult snails; for newly hatched snails they were 4,8 and 8,0 ppm; for the eggs they were 13,0 and 31,0 ppm. In the field the hexanic extract was lethal for the snails in concentrations of 20 ppm in stagnant water. Fractions 6 and 7 were lethal for S. mansoni cercariae and to fish (Lebistes reticulatus) in concentrations below 10 ppm. For mice the extract did not display any toxity in concentrations of 600 mg/kg.


[Cell cycle phases: determination of G1, S e G2 by fluorometry (author's transl)]. The G1, S and G2 phases of the cell cycle in Allium cepa root tips were determined in Acriflavin--Feulgen--stained material. Pigeon erythrocyte nuclei were employed as standard for DNA dry mass determinations. Micro-interferometric and fluorometric measurements gave the average of 77,1. 10(-12) g for the G1 nuclei from the root tips.


[Evolutive mechanisms in the epidemiology of the communicable diseases (author's transl)]. Selective pressures playing on the interaction between an infectious agent and its host lead to a condition of maximal survival for both. Based on simple epidemiological relationships, we propose a model which permits the evaluation of the degree of adaptation of a host to the infectious agent.


[Acute pneumonia treatment with a new antibiotic (tobramycin) (author's transl)]. The authors have studied a new antibiotic Tobramycin in 30 patients with acute infectious pulmonary disease, denominated type I, II and III, according to associated factors, severity and previous pulmonary alterations, being 29 patients included in type II and III. The pneumonia diagnosis has obeyed to clinical, laboratorial, radiological and microbiological criteria. The results after the Tobramycin therapy in 28 evaluable cases were: 3 failures and 25 therapeutic successes. The gram negative bacteria predominated among the causative pathogens and, in 14 patients, strains of Klebisiella Enterobacter group were isolated. The M.I.C. for the pathogenic isolated bacteria in acute pulmonary processes was less than 1,0 microgram/ml in 26 cases. Adverse reactions were observed in 13 patients, from which 9 have presented only laboratorial alterations. The remaining 4 patients have also presented clinical manifestations. These findings were similar to those reported for other aminoglicosides.


New spectrophotometric method for the determination of phenothiazine derivatives. The use of a reduced solution of phosphomolybdic acid for the precipitation of phenothiazine derivatives offers excellent conditions for the assay of these compounds. The quantitative assay range for each of the phenothiazine derivatives was determined by the precipitation, proportionality, in accordance with the procedure used for chlorpromazine. The conditions offered by the new method make it possible to assay 12 phenothiazine derivatives.


Yersinia enterocolitica as a cause of infantile diarrhoea in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Yersinia enterocolitica is reported as the causative agent of infantile diarrhoea in Rio de Janeiro. Four strains were isolated from 70 children with diarrhoea. Apparently, this is the first report of Y. enterocolitica-associated diarrhoea in Latin-America.


[Problems of methodology when studying the relationship between EEG and behaviour: use of the technique of sedation threshold to sodium amytal (author's transl)]. The objective of the study was to clarify the relations between EEG activity and behaviour using the technique of the sedation threshold to sodium amytal. Our results show that there is no parellelism between the EEG and behavioural thresholds, more especially because, in male subjects, there is resistance to falling asleep which delays the appearance of errors in calculation. Contrary to Shagass, whose work on the sedation threshold is based on the implicit postulation of the existence of a close relationship between EEG and behaviour, our results lead to the theoretical conclusion that we must take into account a certain freedom of behavioural responses, in relation to physiological phenomena upon which they are based.


[Alpha activity in a group of schizophrenics: spectral analysis and comparison with a control group (author's transl)]. Spectral analysis of tracings from four leads; C3-P3, P3-O1, C4-P4, and P4-O2, were used to compare the results of fiftyseven electroencephalograms from 10 schizophrenics, and 14 normal subjects used as controls. The results show that the mean frequencies of the alpha waves are identical in schizophrenics and controls. Patients with hebephrenia show the lowest variations in alpha wave frequency but with the highest voltage, whereas paranoid schizophrenics have tracings with the lowest amplitude and the greatest variation in frequency. There is also better left intrahemispheric correlation of relative alpha intensities in those patients with the lowest variation in right alpha intensity in relation to controls. The preliminary results suggest that there is a reduction in functional asymmetry of the hemispheres in the electroencephalograms from schizophrenics, when looking at the alpha activity.


[Statistical spectral study of alpha rhythms: modifications due to the tardive action of a hypnotic (author's transl)]. In a simple blind study to evaluate electroencephalographic criteria objectively, and to continue characterization of psychotropic compounds, 5 mg of nitrazepam, a hypnotic derivative, was given to seven subjects the night before the recording. We noted that in most subjects there was a reduction in the spectral intensity of the alpha rhythm, associated with a greater frequency instability, several hours after the absorption of nitrazepam. This corresponds to the tardive hypnotic action of the psychotrope, the importance of which is wellknown at the present time. In the same way as the increase in rapid rhythms, the slipping of 0.5 c/s of the dominant alpha frequency to the top could be characteristic of the action of nitrazepam.


[The measurement of sensory conduction in the median nerve and its diagnostic value in the carpal canal syndrome (author's transl)]. The authors studied the rate of sensory conduction of the median nerve in three groups of subjects: a group including subjects of different ages in order to determine the variations in conduction and the evoked response as a function of age; a group of patients with the carpal canal syndrome; a group treated by median nerve infiltration in the carpal canal. It was confirmed that there is a slowing of the rate of sensory conduction and spreading of the evoked response in the elderly subjects. The electromyographic data in the carpal canal syndrome is defined, as well as the difficulty of diagnosis which sometimes necessitates specific measurement of the conduction rate between the carpal canal limits.


[Post-natal respiratory disorders and hypothyroidism. Polygraphic study of a case]. A new-born baby with hypothyroidism showed only one clinical manifestation of the condition. There were repeated lasting attacks of apnoea, and periodic respiration was demonstrated by polygraphic recordings. These recordings, made during the waking periods and sleep, between the 10th day and 7th month, showed the evolution of the apnoea and periodic respiration as a function of the two treatments applied. Theophylline had a symptomatic effect on both respiratory phenomena, which reappeared after stopping treatment. The apnoea and periodic respiration disappeared after the administration of thyroid extract.


[Unexplained electrographic temporal discharges (author's transl)]. Unilateral or bilateral electrographic temporal discharges at 5 Hz were analyzed in relation to their morphological characteristics, their topography, and their evolution in II subjects. The clinical context, in which there was no evidence of epileptic disorder, was also analyzed. These discharges were compared to other infraclinical critical phenomena reported in the literature, and related to similar manifestations described by the Gibbs "school" as "Psychomotor variant type of discharge", or by Hughes group as "Rhythmic mid Temporal discharges".


[Apparently critical posterior activity in a non-epileptic subject: variations during wakefulness and sleep (author's transl)]. Sub-clinical critical discharges arising from the posterior temporal or temporo-occipital regions, which were bilateral but independent, were seen at each examination (5) of a 13 year old non-epileptic child over a period of more than a year. The discharges were present during wakefulness and while falling asleep. They were blocked during the deep slom-ware stage and paradoxical phase of sleep. They were not modified by anti-convulsant therapy and there was no previous family history. Their relation to Gibb's "Psychomotor variant discharge" is envisaged.


[Evoked potentials in movement epilepsy (a report on 4 observations) (author's transl)]. A study of evoked potentials; visual (V.E.P.) auditory (A.E.P), and somatosensorial (S.E.P.) in 4 cases of movement epilepsy. Their correlation to clinical findings (provoking factors, control of the attacks), electroencephalographic and neuroradiological (scanner) data, shows that two types of information can be obtained: lesional and functional. Three types of modification can be described: a) the topographically limited changes in E.P. depend on lesional localization; b) the increase in amplitude of the late components and of the post-discharge of the E.P. ("paroxystical" aspect) appear to be a characteristic common to all epilepsies, whatever the mechanism; c) the abnormal exaggeration of the E.P. during voluntary movement seems to be a dynamic element peculiar to movement epilepsy. The information given by E.P.'s in some well-defined cases of epilepsy suggest that it is possible to draw conclusions from tests of the capacity for sensory-motor control to enable functional therapy of some attacks.


[Periodic familial paralysis with hypokalemia. Hemodynamic and metabolic studies: favourable effect of acetazolamide (author's transl)]. The same protocol was used three times to produce a paralytic episode in a typical case of periodic familial paralysis with hypokalemia. This consisted of an effort together with a perfusion of hypertonic glucose serum and insulin. The first test provoked an attach of hypokalemic tetraplegia. The second test, two months after treatment with 500 mg daily of acetazolamide, produced no reaction. In the third test, the metabolic acidosis caused by acetazolamide was reduced by the injection of sodium bicarbonate, and a stronger effect than in the first test was observed. This confirms the efficacy of acetazolamide as a preventive treatment for paralytic attacks; the most reasonable hypothesis being that it acts through the metabolic acidosis that it induces. Metabolic and hemodynamic studies were carried out during the provoked attacks. Cardiac output and oxygen consumption are increased, while pulmonary capillary pressure and periopheral resistance are reduced. Diastolic pressure is lower when measured by an arm-cuff but shows no change when direct readings are taken in the blood-vessels. These results suggest that there is an increase in cellular energy needs, or that the smooth muscle in the vessel walls is paralyzed. The two tetraplegic attacks in tests 1 and 3 were associated with a metabolic acidosis, which is explained by a simultaneous transfer, though in the opposite direction, of H+ and K+ ions; the intra-cellular pH, as measured by the D.M.O. technique, was acid when there was not an attack, and this increased during paralysis.


[Spinal meningeal hemorrhage due to tumors: a report on 5 cases with arteriography (author's transl)]. Meningeal hemorrhages in 5 patients with tumors of the cauda equina are reported. In each case there were signs from the brain area which led to a false diagnosis of ruptured intracranial aneurism, before attention was drawn to the cauda equina by a relapse with hemorrhage or other signs. The value of medullary arteriography for positively diagnosing cauda equina tumors, and their differential diagnosis from medullary arteriovenous malformations--principal cause of spinal meningeal hemorrhages--is discussed, as well as the necessity for systematically evoking this topography in children and young adults when arteriographic exploration is negative.


[Sensory-motor intermittent claudication syndrome of the cauda equina. Etiopathogenetic study of 25 cases]. The twenty-five patients with the intermittent claudication syndrome of th cauda equina included 19 men and 6 women aged from 23 to 70 years. The results of operation were very good in 16 cases, with improvement in 6 others and failure in 3 cases. There are various mechanisms which can cause the stenosis. The authors stress the importance of congenital vertebral abnormalities and the presence of apophyseal appendices which, at the present time, have not been considered responsible.


[Alterations in two enzymes: superoxide dismutase and glutathion peroxidase in developmental infantile psychosis (infantile autism) (author's transl)]. After they gave a classification of the different circumstances under which the infantile autism can exist, the authors expose the data of their researches on the intermediate metabolism of oxygen of those children. Superoxyde dismutase I and glutathion peroxydase activities seem to be abnormal in the erythrocytes whereas only superoxyde dismutase I activity appears to be abnormal in the platelets.


[The deep linguo-mental reflex: an early sign of temporal lesions (author's transl)]. The deep linguo-mental reflex is produced by light tapping on a spatula placed on the protruding tongue one centimeter in front of the dental arch. It is positive when contraction of the chin muscles occurs. This reflex is the only early neurological sign evoking a diagnosis of temporal lesions. It is usually found on the opposite side from that of the lesion. In psychotic patients and in those with behavioral disorders having impulsive and violent tendencies, the reflex is bilateral or contralateral to the dominant hemisphere. In dysphoric emotional disorders it is contralateral to the minor hemisphere affected. This reflex is not found in normal adults or in neurological diseases without cerebral lesions.


[Anton-Babinski syndrome with recognition of the left upper limb on visualization in a mirror [author's transl)]. A patient presenting with an Anton-Babinski syndrome accompanied by a delusional conviction recognised her left upper limb with the aid of her right hand, but immediately denied its existence when she viewed it directly. In contrast, when placed in front of a mirror, she recognised this upper limb perfectly, recognition disappearing again when direct vision was associated with vision in the mirror. The authors suggest the possibility of a resurgence in adult life of the duality of the visual body image, direct or reflected, such as is normally experienced in childhood and, more prolonged, in identical twins.


Serological study of amoebiasis and toxoplasmosis in the Malili area, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Results of a serology survey in September 1972 for Entamoeba histolytica and Toxoplasma gondii antibodies among 915 volunteers from the Malili area of South Sulawesi (Celebes), Indonesia are presented. Indirect hemagglutination antibody titers for amoebiasis were found in 22.7% of the sampled population while 9.5% demonstrated antibody titers greater than or equal to 1:128. The frequency distribution of antibody titers were similar by sex and age. There was no significant correlation between stool positivity and seropositivity. Indirect hemagglutination antibody titers for T. gondii were detected in 62% of the population sampled, and titers greater than or equal to 1:32 were demonstrated in 29% of the samples tested. The distribution of antibody titers was similar in males and females. In both sexes the prevalence of IHA antibody titer against T. gondii increased with age. There was no consistent association between altitude and prevalence of seropositive samples.


Distribution of rats infected with Rickettsia tsutsugamushi (scrub typhus) in an edge habitat. No focalization of rats (Rattus tiomanicus and R. argentiventer) infected with Rickettsia tsutsugamushi could be discerned over a 500 m trapping transect at the border between a forest and lalang grass (Imperata cylindrica). R. tiomanicus appeared to occupy 250 m of the transect on the average and had periods during which infections were observed which averaged 97 days. Calulations indicated that more than 50% of individuals become infected over their life-time. The high rate of infection in this and other areas described in earlier publications and the habits of the rats suggest that infected mites are densely and widely dispersed in the areas studied in Malaysia.


Studies on the susceptibility of a large urban population of Aedes aegypti to infection with dengue viruses. A large urban population of Aedes aegypti in Jakarta, Indonesia was studied for one year to determine whether it was homogeneous in terms of susceptibility to dengue viruses and whether seasonal changes in susceptibility to dengue viruses occurred. Mosquitoes from several districts in Jakarta showed a low but homogeneous susceptibility to dengue 2 virus from November 1975 to April 1976. In June 1976, increased susceptibility to dengue 2 virus was observed among some of the subpopulations of Ae. aegypti, and higher infection rates and increased variation were observed among these mosquitoes during the rest of the study period. Correlation with confirmed DHF cases in Jakarta was discussed.


Serum immunoglobulin levels in the Malaysian Orang Asli. Serum immunoglobulin G, A, M, D and E levels were determined in the forest-dwelling Orang Asli of age group 8 to 64 years. The levels are higher than observed for urban Malaysians and comparable to levels reported for populations residing in the tropics. There was no significant difference in serum levels of all the immunoglobulins studied in both sexes. The elevated serum immunoglobulins levels are discussed in terms of the nature of the immune defence developed in the Orang Asli to contend with the many parasites prevalent in their environment.


Vitamin B12 and vitamin B12 binding proteins in iron deficiency anaemia. Vitamin B12 and vitamin B12 binding proteins were determined in 20 patients with iron deficiency anaemia who showed low haemoglobin, haematocrit, serum iron levels and hypochromic microcytic red blood cells. The serum vitamin B12 levels in these patients were significantly lower than that of the normal subjects. Nine of 20 patients had serum vitamin B12 less than 350 pg/ml. There was a significant increase in serum UBBC and TBBC levels in patient group and 9 of 20 patients had higher UBBC values than those of the normal subjects. The absolute values of TCI and TCII increased significantly while TCIII was within the normal limit even though the percentage of UBBC were not different from that of the normal subjects.


Angiostrongyliasis in Indonesia: additional geographic and host occurrence records. Geographical and host occurrence records for Angiostrongylus cantonensis throughout the Indonesian archipelago a;e reported. A. cantonensis was found in the following provinces: West Sumatra, South Sumatra, Lampung, West Java, Central Java, North Sulawesi and East Nusa Tenggara. Infections were diagnosed in the following rodents: Rattus rattus diardii, Rattus exulans, Rattus tiomanicus jaloriensis, Rattus lepturus, Rattus norvegicus and Bandicota indica setifera and in the giant African land snail, Achatina fulica. Infection rates varied considerably.


New hosts of Breinlia booliati with observations on its distribution in Southeast Asia. Breinlia booliati Singh & Ho, 1973 first described from Peninsular Malaysia has been shown to infect a large range of murids ranging in distribution from southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak to Ciloto, Indonesia. Probably further work will reveal a greater host range as well as its geographical distribution. The vectors involved in its transmission need to be elucidated.


A case report of Hymenolepis diminuta in Bangkok, Thailand. A 20-month-old Thai girl was brought to the Phramongkutkao Hospital in Bangkok. The girl's stool was examined and ova of Hymenolepis diminuta were found. She was treated with Niclosamide and magnesium sulphate. Six hours after medication three tapeworms without the scolex were expelled in stool.


Disseminated strongyloidiasis: report of seven cases. Disseminated strongyloidiasis with associated infection from various organisms in 7 cases on corticosteroid therapy are reported. Either respiratory or abdominal symptoms or both without other obvious etiological factors are its usual clinical manifestations. The highly motile filariform larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis were demonstrated in sputum, gastric content, peritoneal fluid as well as in stool. Associated infection from various organisms were found in 6 cases and it is believed that these contributed to immediate cause of death since disseminated strongyloidiasis had been eradicated before death. Only one case survived. Thiabendazole therapy in conventional dosage is adequate in eradicating disseminated strongyloidiasis.


Co-trimoxazole in the treatment of typhoid fever in children with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. The efficacy and possible adverse reactions of co-trimoxazole in the treatment of typhoid fever with G-6-PD deficiency were investigated in 68 typhoid children aged 2 to 14 years old. Salmonella typhi was isolated from 45 patients but all had a significant rise of Widal agglutinin titres during the course of the disease. Decrease in G-6-PD activity of the red blood cells was found in 37 out of 51 patients tested. A daily dose of 6--10 mg of trimethoprim plus 30--50 mg of sulfamethoxazole per kg body weight was given for 14 days. Patients with G-6-PD deficiency were closely observed for evidence of intravascular hemolysis. All patients responded well and the mean period of defervescence after starting therapy was approximately 8 days. One patient with G-6-PD deficiency developed acute hemolysis on the second day of medication. The hemolytic symptoms subsided within 14 days with the continuation of co-trimoxazole therapy. No other major side-effect of the drug was observed. It is concluded that co-trimoxazole can be used successfully in the treatment of typhoid fever in G-6-PD deficient children with little risk of serious adverse reaction.


[Septicemia secondary to an infected pacemaker system: removal of the endocardial lead with the aid of extracorporeal circulation (author's transl)]. Right ventriculotomy with extracorporeal circulation was used for removal of an infected transvenous pacemaker electrode which was firmly attached to the myocardium in a patient with septicemia. Alternative methods and suggestions to prohibit electrode incarceration are discussed.


[Isolated left ventricular--right atrial shunt after blunt chest trauma (author's transl)]. A case of left-ventricular-right-atrial septal defect secundary to blunt chest trauma is described. The etiology of this type of septal defect, e. g. congenital, following aortic and mitral valve replacement, endocarditis and trauma, is discussed. Early defect closure is recommended in the presence of significant shunt volume.


[Pericardial tamponade, an acute emergency during transvenous cardiac pacemaker implantation (author's transl)]. Three cases of right ventricular perforation and acute pericardial tamponade during transvenous pacemaker implantation and one case of chronic electrode penetration are reported. Successful repair was achieved via pericardiotomy in all cases with acute tamponade. Fragility of the myocardium in the elderly is considered to be the major reason for this complication which may occur despite the use of flexible electrodes and correct surgical technique. The relatively small intervention of inferior pericardiotomy appears to be the therapy of choice in case of tamponade. This approach should be feasible when transvenous pacemakers are implanted. Immediate availability of general anesthesia and postoperative intensive care appears to be manatory.


[Dissecting aneurysm of the splenic artery (author's transl)]. A case of a dissecting aneurysm of the splenic artery is presented. Although aneurysms of the splenic artery are common, a dissecting aneurysm has been mentioned infrequently in the available literature. Clinical aspects, confirmation of the diagnosis by celiac arteriography and surgical therapy are described. The pathogenesis is discussed briefly. The necessity of clinical awareness in cases of obscure abdominal pain is emphasized.


[Echocardiographic diagnosis of thrombus on a Hancock bioprosthesis in mitral position following endocarditis (author's transl)]. Acute stenosis of a Hancock bioprosthesis in mitral position was found eight months after surgery and three months following septic periproctitic abscess in a 59 year old woman. Echocardiography revealed almost complete valve obstruction by thrombus formation: unusual dense and inhomogenous structures between the anterior and posterior stent echos of the prosthesis were seen in systole as well as in diastole. Echocardiography appears to be a useful non-invasive method for detection of the rare thrombotic complications in Hancock bioprostheses.


[Correction of left coronary artery to pulmonary artery fistula on the occasion of pulmonary embolectomy (author's transl)]. In a 42 year old woman a left coronary artery to pulmonary artery fistula was proved by catheterization and coronary angiography. During this investigations a right femoral hernia became symptomatic, and surgical correction was carried out. Three days postoperatively a massive pulmonary embolism occurred causing shock and fibrillation of the heart. After intubation the patient was brought to the operating theatre under external massage, and a pulmonary embolectomy using ECC was performed. The fistula in the main pulmonary artery was closed by suture. The vascular convolute was left in place. A primarily additional ligature of the fistula artery at the starting point was reopened because of a failing right ventricle under the assumption of a possible partial vascular supply of the right ventricular myocardium which could not be proved.


[Percutaneous transluminal recanalization in a patient with arterial occlusive disease and multiple injuries (author's transl)]. A case of a 66 year old patient with multiple injuries is reported. A combination of conventional trauma treatment and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTR) of a segmented superficial femoral artery occlusion prevented leg amputation. When the patient died 8 weeks later from trauma sequelae the successful recanalization was demonstrated in histopathology investigation. It is concluded that PTR is an ideal accessory to the present therapeutic spectrum in vascular surgery.


[Cystic adventitial degeneration of radial artery (author's transl)]. The cystic adventitial degeneration of peripheral blood vessels is a rare lesion with unknown etiology and pathogenesis. The lesions are most frequent with a predominantly unilateral manifestation in the popliteal artery. The own observations included a rare affection of the radial artery. The literature relating to this condition has been reviewed. Etiology and histogenesis of the arterial alterations have been discussed.


[Longitudinal rupture of the aortic arche (author's transl)]. This is a case report of a 75 year old man who sustained a longitudinal rupture of the aortic arch in addition to cerebral and extremity trauma following a traffic accident. An emergency operation without the use of the heart-lung-machine could not save the patient's life. Possible mechanisms leading to this unusual damage to the aortic arch are discussed.


[Behaviour of ATP and lactate in human papillary muscle during profound hypothermia and injection cardioplegia with magnesium-asparatate-procaine (author's transl)]. In 53 patients with mitral- or aortic-mitral valve disease, the content of ATP and lactate of the papillary muscles resected at the time of valve replacement was investigated at the beginning of ischemic arrest and at the time of reperfusion. Profound body hypothermia (25 degrees C) and injection cardioplegia using magnesium-aspartate-procaine were applied for myocardial protection. In hypertrophic papillary muscles the myocardial ATP content decreased at a slower rate (ATP decay 12% of the initial value after 60 minutes of ischemia) than in normal papillary muscles obtained from patients with isolated mitral stenosis (ATP decay 33% of the initial value after 40 minutes of ischemia). 20% of the patients required temporary inotropic circulatory support postoperatively for 12 to 88 hours. The ATP content of the papillary muscles of these patients differed only little from those, in who no myocardial failure occurred. However the myocardial lactate levels were higher in patients in whom a low cardiac output state evolved.


[Some psychological predictors for psychosis after open heart surgery (author's transl)]. In a study of postoperative psychosis after open heart surgery three psychopathological syndromes were identified which had different psychological predictors. Predictors of postoperative emotional disturbances are family problems and the lack of plans for the future, whereas patients with postoperative disorientations seem to have difficulties in their jobs and therefore feel distressed preoperatively. Predictors of the paranoid syndrome after the operation are: a high degree of fear in awaiting the operation and little confidence in the doctors. The social surroundings of these patients are often unstable and although they have no precise plans for the future they object to start working again after operation.


Histochemical demonstration of total phosphorylase activity for diagnosis of carcinoma cells in human stomach and intestines. Modified techniques for the histochemical demonstration of phosphorylase of value in the diagnosis of cancer cells of human gastro-intestinal origin are described. Preservation of the enzyme activity is especially considered; this is facilitated by the use of thoroughly dried cryostat sections. Routine use of these techniques in the clinical laboratory is suggested. Using these procedures, carcinoma cells of human stomach and intestines stained in 102 of 117 cases; normal control sections of human gastric epithelial cells are regularly unstained.


Priapism.

Priapism. Since priapism often leads to impotence immediate therapy should be given with few exceptions (patients with sickle cell disease, neoplasm and infections). A careful history and a search for the etiology are important. The physician should protect himself against legal retribution by obtaining the patient's signature on an informed and witnessed consent to treat.


Selected autoimmune diseases in the dog. In summary, previous attempts to explain the role of inheritance in autoimmune disorders through family studies have been hampered by the variable degree of phenotypic expression. Our evidence utilizing dogs in family studies is consistent with the concept that genetic factors play some role in determining disease susceptibility. Recognizing the complexity of the genetic components involved in these studies, we have proposed a hypothesis of two classes of genes, one that relates to immunoregulation and another that specifies pathologic lesions (and thus the clinical signs). This dual system of interacting genes provides a rational explanation for many of the observations previously encountered in both human and canine studies.


A canine cutaneous lymphoproliferative disease resembling mycosis fungoides in man. A dog with a lymphoproliferative disease resembling mycosis fungoides in man, the second reported canine case, had slowly progressive, multicentric cutaneous nodules and plaques. Nearly half the body surface was involved. The lesions consisted of multiple, flat, infiltrative, cutaneous tumors composed of heterogeneous, pleomorphic cells, some of which resembled histiocytes or activated lymphocytes. Intracutaneous foci of tumor cells and numerous tumor cells with bizarre convoluted nuclei were distinctive features that permitted the lesions to be distinguished from other non-epithelial cutaneous neoplasms.


The pathogenesis of Trypanosoma congolense infection in calves. II. Anemia and erythroid response. The anemia caused by Trypanosoma conogolense TREU 112 in Holstein calves was of moderate severity and normochromic, macrocytic in the acute phase changing to normochromic, normocytic with chronicity. The anemia was hemolytic and responsive as shown by sharply decreased myeloid:erythroid ratio and increased mean corpuscular volume. 51Cr red cell labelling studies showed that red cell lifespan was halved in the acute phase and there was an increase in plasma volume. Surface organ counting of liver showed it to be the major site of red cell destruction. The anemia was partly dilutional as a result of the increased plasma volume and primarily hemolytic likely of a non-specific immune (innocent bystander) pathogenesis.


The pathogenesis of primary and secondary infection with Fasciola hepatica in mice. Primary and secondary infections of F. hepatica in mice were compared to determine how prior exposure to the parasite affected host response. Mice with primary parenchymal Fasciola infections initially had hemorrhagic tunnels filled with inflammatory cells and connective tissue. These lesions were progressive and became most severe 30 days after exposure as the parasites entered the bile ducts. At this time there was much hyperplasia and thickening of all layers of the duct system near the parasites and occasionally severe periportal fibrosis. By 2 months after exposure regeneration of the damaged liver cells was complete although hyperplasia persisted in bile ducts containing flukes. In mice with secondary infections (mice exposed 40 to 50 days after first infection), the inflammatory response was faster and shorter. Most lesions were resolved by 30 days after the second exposure. There was little difference in histology of primary and secondary infections during the chronic phase of the disease.


[Effect of the temperature-humidity regimen on broiler resistance and on the efficacy of coccidiostats in experimental coccidial infection]. Experiments are carried out to elucidate the effect of the temperature and Moisture Regime on the resistance of broiler chickens to an experimental infection with coccidia and how far the prophylactic, anti-coccidial activity of coccidiostatics may be raised or reduced on this basis. During the experiment, prior to and after the infection of the chicken, investigations have been carried out on the morphological and biochemical composition of the blood, determining the contents of hemoglobin, total protein, vitamin A and vitamin E. It is established that the hematological and biochemical indices correlate with the course followed by the coccidiosis process and are related to the temperature and moisture regime in tending the broilers. If all other conditions are similar, the coccidiostatic activity of the Pankoksin Plus preparation is reduced both at lower temperatures and at higher degrees of infection with coccidia in broilers, and at a higher temperature and a lower relative, air moisture. The resistance of broiler chickens, grown at a temperature of 32 degrees C and air moisture of 70--75%, to coccidia infection is higher as compared with that of broiler chickens, kept at a higher temperature and a lower air moisture.


[Role of flies in the epizootiology of coccidiosis in poultry]. The possibility is shown Musca domestica L. to ingest considerable amounts of oocysts of Eimeria tenella which remain in their digestive tract during 120 hrs. Both sporulated and non-sporulated oocysts remain viable and infectable. Non-sporulated oocysts do not form spores in the digestive tracts of flies, but after their excretion, they terminate normally their development under favourable conditions. It is shown that when flies, infected with oocysts, are fed to susceptible chicks, they are affected with coccidiosis.


[Ultrastructural reactivity of the pulmonary alveoli under the influence of the aerosol use of gentamycin and tetracycline]. Studied is the effect of the aerosol application of the gentamycin and tetracycline antibiotics on the ultrastructure of tung alveoli. It is found that these two antibiotics when applied singly and at doses of 0.3024 mg/rat, 1.728 mg/rat and 12.824 mg/rat for the gentamycin and of 1.652 mg/rat and 3.304 mg/rat for the tetracycline may cause catarrhal pneumonia, accompanied by strong fibrinosis of the alveolar septa and of the alveolar basal membrane. The partial or total lysis of nuclear chromation of all alveolar cell nuclei (epithelial, endothelial, septal, and granulated pneomcytes), the nuclei of the blood granulocytes and macrophages included, is established as a specific ultrastructural change.


[Nitrosoguanidine induction of mutants in Salmonella cholerae suis]. On treatment two strains of Salmonella cholerae suis with nitrosoguanidine and using Ledeberg's contact technique, some 100 colonies of one of the strains were obtained, seven out of which were auxotrophic. These seven mutants were auxotropic, of which three -- to tyrosine, two -- to adenine, one -- to glutamic acid and one -- to histidine. The mutant of the second Salmonella cholerae suis strain is auxotrophic to tyrosine, xanthine and adenine. The colonies of these mutants are smaller. Their growth in MPB is sparse. Their fermentation is deleyed by a higher degree. The mutant, auxotrophic to tyrosine, xanthine and adenine, manifests a delayed fermentation in ramnose and is negative to lysine and to ornithodecarboxylase. The mutant, auxotrophic to tyrosine, possesses a negative argininedehydrolase. Mutants Nos 3,5 and 6 are auxotrophic to adenine, glutamic acid and histidine, respectively, and are with a negative ornithodecarboxylase. Four of the eight mutants were for tested for pathogenicity to white mice. All manifested a decreased pathogenicity, ranging from 1000- to 10,000-fold lower.


[Antimicrobial and antispirochetal activity of Pharmachem's tylosin]. Studies are the following preparations, produced by "PHARMACHIM": tylosine-base (Tylosine-50), tylosine tartarate (Tylosine pulvis) and tylosine phosphate (substance and granules) and their analogues: tylosine-base (Tylan-50), tylosine tartarate (Tylan soluble) and tylosine phosphate (Tylan AF 99), produced by the "Elanco" Company. The biological activity of the preparation was determined by means of the microbiological method of diffusion in agar. In the case of all experimental treatments, the preparations were compared in conformity with their biological activity expressed in IU/mg of the preparations. The minimum inhibition concentrations of the preparations were determined by the method of serial dilutions in liquid nutritive media on 19 different pathogenic strains. The antispirochetal activity of the preparations compared was tested on 130 cockerels and pullets, experimentally infected with Borrelia anserina of the Surnevo and Pamoukchii serotypes. The application of the preparations started simultaneously with the infection or 24 and 48 hrs after it and continued for days. No significant differences are found in the antibacterial and antispirochetal activities of the Bulgarian tylosine preparations and those manufactured by the "Elanko" Company. The tylosine base does not differ significantly in its antimicrobial and antispirochetal activities from the tylosine phosphate and the tylosine tartarate when equal in IU concentrations and doses are applied.


Goiter in Tibetan medicine.

Goiter in Tibetan medicine. The visit of two Tibetan physicians provided a unique opportunity to gain insight into a practice of medicine very different from that of Western civilization. Initial discussions indicated that the practice of medicine and mysticism were inextricably interwoven in the Tibetan culture. Accordingly, the focus of the study was directed to goiter, which is both common in the Himalayas and easy to define.In Tibetan medical practice, illness is considered to be derived from both proximate and distant causes. Three humors, "wind," "bile," and "phlegm" are thought to be responsible for normal mental and physical functions when in balance, but disease when out of balance. Goiter was thought to be due to an imbalance of these humors. The Western discovery that endemic goiter in the Himalayas was due to iodine deficiency explained the proximate cause but did not explain why some individuals have goiter and others do not in the same iodine deficient village.


Immune deficiency, thrombocytopenia and osteomyelitis in pediatric patients. Surgical decompression of osteomyelitis in pediatric patients should be an essential part of therapy in most cases. The initial deferral of prompt decompression in two patients because of underlying chronic, hemorrhagic (thrombocytopenic) disorders-one with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and one with Gaucher's disease-resulted in more serious and prolonged courses of the infectious processes. The complications might have been ameliorated by earlier drainage in each case. Based upon the experience gained from these two patients, we recommend early drainage, with appropriate treatment of the hemorrhagic disorder, to prevent more widespread dissemination or prolongation of osseous infection in similarly affected children.


Formation of chromatoid body during rat spermatogenesis. In this study the formation of the chromatoid body during rat spermatogenesis was studied by electron microscopy. The formation of the chromatoid body was divided into three stages: the mitochondrial stage, the condensing stage and the maturing stage. During meiotic prophase there were seen similar pores in the nuclear envelope close to the chromatoid body as have previously been described in the early spermatids. It is suggested that through these pores material that participates in the formation of the chromatoid body, passes from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. This material is first located close to mitochondria where it forms the mitochondrial stage chromatoid body. During late pachytene the intermitochondrial material begins to accumulate and forms several condensing stage chromatoid bodies. These are present in the cells during the meiotic divisions and appear to be evenly distributed to the spermatids. In the spermatids the final maturation of the chromatoid body occurs.


[Initial axonal degeneration in the pulp of deciduous teeth]. Initial stages of the regressive process on the nerve fibers can be found already in the pulp of deciduous molars of children about the age of four till five. The axonal degenerative changes can most distinctly found at the contact-sides of the axons and the fibroblasts and concern as well the axolemma as different organelles of the axoplasm too.


Ultrastructure of developing interstitial cells in chick embryonic gonad in relation to their genesis and steroidogenic function. Electron microscopic studies on the development of interstitial (steroidogenic) cells in embryonic chick gonads were carried out in a chronological sequence from the time of their appearance to the end of incubation, in a comparative aspect in both female and male sexes, and through a comparison with light microscopic findings. An asynchrony in the development of these cells in both sexes is established. In the ovaries (left and right) individual steroidogenic cells are detected for the first time towards the 7th embryonic day, grouping themselves towards the 9th...10th embryonic day in nests, interstitial organoids. In the testis this takes place towards the 10th and 14th...15th days, respectively, the interstitial organoids forming as incomplete muffs around the seminiferous cords and later on (towards the 16th embryonic day) also as nests in stroma. On the basis of observations that the precursers of the steroidogenic cells differentiate within the sex cords (first proliferation) and separate from them, falling into the stroma, the authors adopt the concept of the mesothelial (epithelial) origin of those cells. Particular protrusions (multivesicular structures) of the cytoplasm of the interstitial cell are described whose role is believed to be connected with the mechanism of the steroid secretion of the gonads. The results are discussed in relation to some biochemical and experimental data on the morphogenetic function of the embryonic sex hormones.


[Light and electron microscopic studies of the skeletal muscle (M. triceps brachii) capillaries in white rats aged 2 to 20 months]. The capillarisation of the triceps muscle of white rats was investigated with light and electron microscope up to the age of 20th month. During the postnatal development the capillary to fiber ratio corresponding to the increase of the number of capillaries is well adapted to an exponential function. The rapid increase of thickness of the muscle fibers causes a decrease of the number of capillaries per area unit. After the third week of life with histochemical methods the differentiation of muscle fiber types is possible, well correlated to the beginning of motoric activity. Ultrastructural alterations of the muscle capillaries consist in a flattening of the endothelium within the first month of postnatal life, a decrease of the content of organelles, a high degree of vesiculation and a continuous thickining of the basement membrane up to more than 100 nm. The interendothelial clefts show a simple structure containing 1--2 junctional zones and only few dilatations.


Effect of oestrogen on the pituitary gland of male Syrian hamsters. I. Electron microscope studies of pars intermedia. The ultrastructure of the pars intermedia of normal and oestrogen-treated male Syrian hamsters is described. 3 types of cell were observed in normal gland, namely, 2 types of "light" cell and a "dark" cell. Light cells were regular in shape with round or oval nuclei and could be divided into type 1 and 2 by the size of their granules 200 to 250 nm in type 1 and 100 to 150 nm in type 2. Dark cells were fewer in number, irregular in outline with highly-indented chromatin-rich nuclei and occasional secretory granules in the Golgi area. Treatment for 6 weeks with diethylstibestrol (DES) 0.6 mg in 0.2 ml distilled water subcutaneously 3 times  per week failed to induce recognisable change in the pars intermedia although after 12 weeks treatment cytoplasmic changes were observed. From that time until the experiment ended after 30 weeks of treatment progressive changes indicative of enhanced synthesis of hormone were present, greater cytoplasmic volume, hypertrophy of the Golgi apparatus, marked development of endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes, increased numbers of secretory granules and the presence of granules within granules.


Further investigations on the ultrastructure of spermatozoa in chronic alcoholics. The submicroscopic studies of spermatozoa were performed on 40 chronic alcoholics with the period of alcoholism surpassing 15 years (on average 19 years). After a double routine morphological evaluation of semen the electron microscopic studies were made. They revealed the following abnormalities: malformations of the head and nucleus, altered chromatin condensation, abnormalities of the acrosome which was often absent, chaotic arrangement of mitochondria or even their local absence. Double-headed spermatozoa were observed. The hitherto undescribed, in man, "whorls" were frequently observed in the cytoplasm of the head and neck. The dependence of these abnormalities on the length of the period of alcoholism was discussed.


[Circadian changes of various enzyme activities in the kidney macula densa of gerbils (Meriones unguiculati)]. Circadian Changes of the Activity of some Enzymes in the Macula densa of the Kidney of Mongolian Gerbilis.--The authors investigated the enzyme histochemical activity of some dehydrogenases in the macula densa of desert rodents killed respectively at 11 a.m. and at 11 p.m. The percentage of macula cells which, in comparison with the non specific distal convolution epithelial cells, showed the same or even enhanced enzyme activities was higher at 11 p. m., i.e. nightly (see Tab. 1).


[Population of hair cells in the Corti's organ of shrews]. In shrews (family Soricidase) the organ of Corti was examined by means of the surface specimen technique. The analysis of the qualitative deviations from the normal cellular pattern of Corti organ was based on more than 160 ears of shrews (Sorex araneus, S. minutus, Neomys fodiens, and Crocidura suaveolens). The dislocation, rotation, malformation of hair cells, and one finding of the giant outer hair cell are described. The quantitative analyses of the population of hair cells are based on 61 ears of Sorex araneus divided into 2 age groups. The mean values of aplasias and of missing and supernumerary hair cells in dependence on individual rows and half-turns of cochlea are given. The loss of hair cells depends on the age of the animal. The findings of aplasias and supernumerary outer hair cells (especially those of atypical 4th row) are relatively frequent in shrews. The organ of Corti in shows has a very regular arrangement; deviations of all types are scant and thus we may hold the ideal cochleogram for the norm. The found deviations seem to have no functional meaning.


Cytochemical and histoenzymological studies on the adrenal of the teleost, Puntius sophore (Ham.). In Puntius sophore the adrenal tissue is situated in the pronephric head kidney. The medullary cells are arranged closely around the wall of the cardinal veins and their branches. The cortical cells are located around the medullary cells in several layers forming a large mass of tissue. With the aid of chromaffin reaction techniques the medullary cells were differentiated. Noradrenaline cells were identified with iodate reaction technique. Cortical cells gave positive reaction to cholesterol, lipid, phospholipid and ascorbic acid tests. The steroidogenic property of these cells is suggested by the presence of delta 5 3 beta HSDH, G-6-PD and 11 beta HSDH enzymes. The intense MAO activity which is reported largely in the cortical tissue of Puntius sophore is not well known in the fishes.


Histological changes in the ovaries of Dysdercus cingulatus (F.) caused by the "paper factor". The histological changes in the ovarioles of the red cotton bug following treatment with "Paper Factor" to the adults are discussed. The changes in the shape of egg, resorption of the yolk and the formation of compound chambers with double nuclei were probably caused through deformation either in the germarium or follicular epithelial cells.


Effect of experimental hypercalcemia on the ultimobranchial gland of the lizard with special reference to age. Effect of induced hypercalcemia on the ultimobranchial gland of the young and adult lizard, Uromasix hardwickii was studied. Experimental hypercalcemia produced hyperactive changes in the ultimobranchial gland of the young animal. However, no measurable changes were observed in the ultimobranchial gland of adult lizard. It seems that ultiimobranchial gland of the lizard is active only in the young animals.


[Somatic contacts in the superior cervical ganglion and the carotid body of the rat]. Unusual contacts could be found in the Superior Cervical Ganglion in the Carotid Corpuscle of the white rat (Wistar) close to the Classical Synapses.--Somato-somatic synapses. In the Carotid Corpuscle they have granulated vesicles and post synaptic membrane more or less differentiated.--Recurrent synapses in the Carotid Corpuscle. The cells I attachment plaques of which take part in the polarized junctions. The attention is drawn by an erosion of the membranes near the synapses.


The origin of Fromm's arteries in trout gills. In trout gills two small arteries paralleling the main afferent filament vessel have been described by Fromm (1974). In search of their origin from branchial arteries the orifices of numerous small vessels were detected in the efferent branchial artery (EBA) by scanning electron microscopy. These small vessels are bordered by specialized endothelial cells that seem to have grown out against the blood stream into the EBA. By studying serial sections, the small vessels originating from the EBA were confirmed to be the roots of Fromm's arteries.


Adaptation of the ammoniacal silver reaction to cytochemical demonstration of myelin basic protein. A modification of Black and Ansley's ammoniacal silver reaction (ASR) for histones is proposed for visualizing myelin basic protien (MBP) in the nervous system. The reaction is performed on histological sections of tissues fixed in neutralized formalin-alcohol and delipidized in the course of the routine paraffin embedding. The deparaffinized sections are again treated with formalin in order to make the "unmasked" by the delipidization basic groups of MBP reactive to ammoniacal silver. After treatment with this reagent MBP of the myelin sheaths of the nerve fibres is impregnated brownish-black. Deparaffinized sections subjected to an extraction of MBP with hydrochloric acid exhibit a negative reaction at the level of the myelin sheaths the same reaction being preserved at the level of the nuclear histones. The reaction is positive in paper spots of nervous tissue extracts obtained with the same acid. These assays indicate the specificity of the modified ASR. The method can be used for studies on the processes of myelination and demylination in normal histogenesis and in pathology of the nervous tissue.


Fenestrated capillaries in the rat paw dermis adjacent to epidermis and skin appendages. The fine structure of dermal blood vessels of male Wistar rats was studied in paw regions. Electron microscopy revealed a well-developed plexus of fenestrated capillaries in papillary dermis and adjacent to skin appendages. Intravenously injected ferritin escaped from some of these capillaries. It is suggested that these blood vessels play a role in the exchange of substances at sites of high epithelical turnover.


Interaction of metal ions withe nucleic acids. Interaction of copper(II) with xanthosine and its derivatives. It was found that in the interaction of xanthosine with copper(II) nitrogen N-7, and not oxygen atoms of carbonyl groups, is involved. In aqueous solution of XMP, copper(II) interacts not only with N-7 and the phosphate group but also with ribose. In a crystalline copper(II)-XMP complex [Cu(C10H11O9N4P).H2O], only the phosphate group and N-7 are involved.


A simple and rapid procedure for isolation of ceruloplasmin from porcine and bovine blood serum. A rapid and simole procedure for isolation of ceruloplasmin from porcine and bovine blood sera was elaborated; it involves DEAE-Sephadex A-50 chromatography, precipitation with an ethanol-chloroform mixture plus extraction with saline, and preparative polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. The preparations obtained showed a high degree of electrophoretic homogeneity and a higher A610/A280 ratio and specific activity than the preparations obtained by the modified method of Broman & Kjellin (Biochem. Biophys. Acta, 82, 101-109, 1964).


Isolationand in vitro translation of leghaemoglobin mRNA from yellow lupin root nodules. Messenger RNA for leghaemoglobin, extracted from polysomes of yellow lupin root nodules, was purified by chromatography on oligo(dT1-cellulose followed by sucrose-gradient centrifugation. Leghaemoglobin mRNA activity was assayed in a cell-free protein synthesizing system derived from wheat germ. The purified mRNA was sedimented in surcrose gradient in the 9S region which corresponds to a molecular weight of about 225,000. The poly(A) segment was estimated to be 66 nucleotides in length, based on hybridization with [3H]poly(U). Analysis of the translation product using immunoprecipitation and polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis in denaturing conditions revealed that the product made in vitro was identical with authentic leghaemoglobin.


Effect of ionic strength on the activity of native and acetylated ribonuclease. Acetylation of free amino groups in RNAase abolishes the stimulating effect of ionic strength on the enzyme activity. Distinct differences in the effect of ionic strength on catalytic function of native and acetylated RNAase are observed only with the natural substrate, RNA. In the presence of synthetic substrates, cyclic cytidine 2':3'-phosphate and cytidyl(3'-5')adenosine phosphate, this effect was not observed.


Hemoglobin variants in India.

Hemoglobin variants in India. The occurrence of different types of hemoglobin variants in India has been well-documented in urban populations and in certain tribal areas. Beta-thalassaemia and hemoglobins D,E,H,S, and rare variants like Hb Lepore, have been found in varying percentages. There is a higher incidence of Hb E in the Eastern region and of Hb D in certain Northern populations. The association of Hb E with beta thalassaemia G6PD deficiency has been established. The relationship with other environmental factors, like malaria, is not yet clear.


Genetic and nongenetic variation in the AB0 agglutinin levels of plasma, saliva and milk. The agglutinin levels of 250 parturient women and their newborn babies were studied and the modifying influence of 16 variables evaluated. The most important factor in this variability is the AB0 phenotype. The agglutinin titers are generally higher in milk than in plasma or saliva. Blacks always show salivary agglutinins in higher frequencies than Whites. Within each fluid the amount of anti-A and anti-B are always highly correlated (r 0.59-0.79). Associations were also observed between the titers in plasma and milk (r 0.25--0.30). The plasma and milk anti-A levels of the 0 mothers are correlated with those of their 0 children (r 0.28-0.37), but the anti-B are not. Socioeconomic conditions may affect the salivary anti-A and anti-B titers.


Incidence of twin births in Denmark from 1911 to 1974. A survey of twin births in Denmark in relation to the total number of births from 1911 to 1974 shows a significant decrease in the dizygotic twin birth rate for all maternal age groups. The possible environmental causes of such a decrease are discussed.


Cytogenetic observations in infertile men working with insecticidal compounds. The negative influence of some insecticides on male fertility has been noted. We report our cytogenetic observations on a group of infertile insecticide workers. Increased chromosomal breakage was a constant finding and the Y chromosome was especially damaged. This may account for impaired spermatogenesis. Furthermore, the involvement of heterochromatic chromosomal variants both in the individual susceptibility to the chemically induced damage and in the reproductive fitness is emphasized.


Delineation of syndromes due to partial 6q imbalances. Trisomy 6q21 leads to qter and monosomy 6q221 leads to qter in two unrelated patients. Two unrelated patients carrying imbalances involving the long arm of chromosome 6 are described. In the first trisomy 6q21 leads to qter had segregated from a maternal translocation t(6;16)(q15;q24). The clinical data of the proposita are compared with those of three other published cases. A partial 6q trisomy syndrome is postulated characterized by: growth deficiency of prenatal onset, psychomotor retardation, craniofacial abnormalities (microcephalia, hypertelorism, downward slanting palpebral fissures, flattened nasal bridge, long philtrum, hypoplastic perioral features, large jaw resulting in a round appearance of the face, receding chin, malformed ears) and dysmorphic extremities (contractures of limbs due to short flexor tendons, hypoplastic fingers, toes and nails). In the second case, monosomy 6q221 leads to qter resulted from a de novo rearrangement and was responsible for mental retardation and facial dysmorphism (reduced biparietal diameter, hypotelorism, absent eyebrows, prominent nose, ptosis, receding chin, dysmorphic ears). Studies of HLA and PGM3 segregation showed normal inheritance patterns and ruled out the location of these genes in bands 6q221 leads to qter.


Partial trisomy 8q resulting from maternal translocation t(2;8)(q373;q23). A patient with multiple congenital malformations due to partial 8q trisomy is reported. Karyotype-phenotype correlations suggest the possibility that partial trisomy 8q is a nosologically distinct syndrome.


Inbreeding effects in a coastal village and other parts of Andhra Pradesh. A survey was carried out among fisher-women in Pallepalam, in Nellore District of Andhra Pradesh, to determine the prevalence and pattern of consanguinity and its effects on fertility, mortality, and morbidity. Of the 106 marriages investigated, 54.72% were consanguineous with predominant proportions of first cousin (36.79%) and uncle-niece (13.21%) marriages. The average inbreeding coefficients for autosomal and sex-linked genes were found to be 0.0405 and 0.0448 respectively. The differences between consanguineous and nonconsanguineous marriages were studied with respect to fertility, mortality and morbidity.


Visual, auditory and somatosensory evoked responses in patients with cerebrovascular disorders. A diagnostic evoked response battery, consisting of visual evoked responses to flashes and to a checkerboard pattern, auditory evoked responses to three different tones and somatosensory evoked responses to left, right and bilateral median nerve stimulation, was administered to 20 patients with strokes, and compared with 20 normal control subjects. Recordings were obtained at  C3, C4, O1, O2, T3 and T4. Evoked responses were found to be of lower amplitudes and lower amplitudes and lower waveform symmetry (expressed by low correlation coefficients between left and right homologous areas) in the patients than in normal subjects. A discriminant equation with 17 variates was computed to separate the two groups. One patient (5%) and 2 (10%) normal subjects were misclassified. Comparison between patients with left or right lesions showed that somatosensory and auditory evoked responses were very useful for identification of the affected side. Quantitative study of evoked responses to different types of stimuli and sensory modalities provides a sensitive method for the evaluation of brain function in such patients. This technique gives higher accuracy than the routine EEG examination in terms of both the percentage of dectection and the accuracy of localization of the affected side.


Genetically selected winner and loser rats: what was selected? Throughout the 6--12th generation, genetically selected winner and loser rats in the straight runway test, were studied, in relation to weight, open field behavior, behavioral responses to footshock and adrenocortical response following stimulation. The results showed that the Loser Runway Strain (LRS) when compared to the Winner Runway Strain (WRS), were (1) lighter in weight, (2) defecated less, ambulated more and showed higher frequency of rearing-up when submitted to an open field (3) defecated less and jumped more in reaction to footshock and (14) had a higher rise of corticosterone levels following handling or footshock. These differences between WRS--LRS are the same found between male-female rats. This conclusion does not favor the validity of the runway test as a social measure, and suggests that WSR--LRS were selected according to male-female characteristics instead of a winning or losing trait.


The vasomotor component of the orienting response in man related to spontaneous fluctuation of vasomotor activity in the acral skin zone. A plethymographic study of the effect of a weak indifferent light or sound stimulus and of a physically identical light stimulus with signal meaning on vasomotor activity in the acral skin zone of man has shown that during stimulus presentation there was a significant rise in the percent of occurrence of vasmotor waves corresponding to the criteria for the vasomotor orienting response (VOR). VOR is elicited significantly more often by stimuli with signal meaning than by physically identical indifferent stimuli. After the acute extinction or VOR disinhibition followed in all cases, and after 40--60 repeated stimuli the occurrence of VOR was still significant. Repeated stimuli had a significant effect on the course of the plethysmographic curve, especially on the component of waves of third order, changing the frequency spectrum and time contingency of waves.


Neocortico-amygdalar interaction in the conditioned taste aversion in rats. Corticoamygdalar interaction in the acquisition and retrieval of the conditioned taste aversion (CTA) was studied in rats by combination of unilateral lesion of basolateral amygdala with unilateral functional decortication by cortical spreading depression (CSD). Sodium saccharin (0.1%, 15 min) served as the CS, intraperitoneal injection od LiCl (0.15 M, 4% body weight) as the US. The CS-US delay was 20 min. Aversion was tested by measuring sacharin consumption 5 days later. Marked CTA was found in the unoperated and in the unilaterally lesioned controls. Amygdalectomized rats subjected during CTA acquisition to unilateral CSD ipsilateral or contralateral to the lesion, drank less saccharin and developed weaker CTA than the controls. Retrieval of CTA acquired by undepressed operated animals was prevented by funcitonal hemidecortication of the intact but not of the lesioned hemisphere. It is concluded that ipsilateral connections between neocortex and basolateral amygdala are more important for retrieval than for acquisition of CTA.


Development of tolerance to morphine and pethidine in rats in dependence on age. The development of tolerance to the analgesic effect of morphine (10 mg/kg.i.p.) and to pethidine 40 mg)/kg i.p.), given every 3 hours 13 times in succession or every 6 or 24 hours 7 times in succession, was studied in rats of different age groups (21 days, 42 days, 3 months and 18 months old). Pain threshold was determined by electric algic stimulation. The rate of tolerance development to the analgetic effect of morphine and pethidine decreased with age and changed only slightly with the frequency of application. In young animals (21 days old) the analgesic effect was very intensive after the first application of pethidine as well as morphine, after further applications the analgesic effect was reduced sharply until its complete disappearance. In animals aged 42 days and 3 months the analgesic effect was not so strong after the first applicaion but the decrease, too, was slower. In 18 months old animals the analgesic effect after the first dose was high and declined very moderately after further doses. It is assumed that the development of tolerance to the effect of strong analgesics is related to the rate of protein synthesis in the central nervous system.


Cardiovascular monitoring with special emphasis on mixed venous oxygen measurements. With the advent of complicated surgical procedures the need for invasive hemodynamic monitoring has taken a prominent place in the management of patients. This has resulted in improved morbidity and mortality in overall patient care. Along with conventional monitoring of heart rate, arterial pressure and central venous pressure, the information about the function of the left heart is essential. This paper describes the usefulness of Swan-Ganz catheter (SG catheter) during intensive care. The purposes of the study is to determine the relationship between mixed venous oxygen saturation measurement, peripheral skin temperature and volume replacement in the immediate postoperative period, as well as the need for prolonged mechanical ventilation in shocked patients.


Monitoring of cardiac output by pulse contour method. A pulse contour method for cardiac output determination was evaluated in sixteen cardiac surgery patients. Stroke volume was derived from the aortic pressure waveform by means of a formula developed by Wesseling and was calculated with an in-built computer (Philips cardiac output module). The method was used for continuous postoperative monitoring and was compared with thermodilution cardiac output determinations. The overall comparison of data (71 simultaneous measurements) yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.78 (regression y = 0.81 x + 1.07 liter) (p less than 0.001). Advantages and disadvantages of the pulse contour method are discussed.


Computer assisted monitoring in intensive medicine. Intensive Medicine is always associated with the problem of handling the mass and assuring the quality of information on vital signs, fluid and blood balance, laboratory data, physiological calculations, etc., required in patient care. A computer based monitoring system for intensive care was introduced in 1973 at the Academic Hospital in Leuven. The basic software was developed at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital of the Harvard Medical School and the medical division of the Hewlett Packard Company; the computer used was a H.P. 2100 central processor with 32K of core memory. Initially, the program allowed mainly acquisition, storage and retrieval of bedside monitored and manual data of cardiac and circulatory function. Very soon however, the software was extended and modified by the division of "Medical Informatics" in order to meet new or different requirements. In the present situation our vision on the use of computer-assisted monitoring has changed and our present program has been extended as follows : 1. On-line collection and retrieval of bedside monitored data including heart rate, arterial blood pressure (systolic-diastolic-mean) left atrial pressure, central venous pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, intracranial pressure. Trend analysis of those data, with calculation of mean values, standard variation and corresponding t-tests. 2. Computer assistance in performing time consuming calculations on off-line data such as : -- clearance-values (renal function), -- temperature-correction of blood-gasvalues, -- hour-to-hour fluid balance, including calculation of in-sensible losses, -- blood-balance. 3. Data transmission of laboratory results as soon as available in the central laboratory through a direct link between laboratory and I.T.U. 4. Computer assisted E.C.G. analysis. The three first objectives are realised, on-line E.C.G.-analysis is being developed. The same computer serves the remotely located medical and coronary care units and one bed in the emergency department. An assessment of computer assistance in intensive therapy, on nursing labor and on quality of patient care is made.


Two cases of burns caused by misuse of coagulation unit and monitoring. Two cases of severe burns with monitoring apparatus are described. In a female patient of 45 years, a severe third degree burn occurred by misuse of coagulation apparatus (inversion of the poles of an older Bovie apparatus), in the presence of a non-floating ECG monitoring device. A high intensity current was established from the coagulation unit, via the earth plate under the buttocks, to the indifferent electrode placed on the chest, where burns occurred. In an 8 month female baby, having laparotomy for a neuroblastoma, a third degree burn of 5 cm diameter occurred with a non-floating ECG monitor. A twin-wired disposable earth plate was placed just beneath the indifferent ECG electrode on the leg. A burning current was established between the Bovie coagulation unit and the monitor.


Monitoring instrumentation. Isolated inputs, electrosurgery filtering, burns protection: what does it mean? 1. 50Hz Interference : the patient's body acts as can an antenna picking up several volts of 50 Hz noise from the power line. Differential amplifiers are the key separating the 1 mV E.C.G. signal wanted from 50Hz. Further reduction of this interference is possible with the help of high input impedance amplifiers and proper electrode techniques. 2. Isolated inputs : electrodes internal to the body give rise to potential hazards. Isolated inputs prevent dangerous currents from flowing directly through the patient to ground, should he come into contact with 50Hz AC power. Even micro-shocks caused by leakage currents as low as 50 micro-amps are prevented. These can cause ventricular fibrillation when applied directly to the heart. 3. Electrosurgery interference : electrosurgery machines generate high frequency signals with amplitudes of several hundred volts. This interference is minimized by low-pass filtering, shielding of the input circuitry and using proper monitoring and electrosurgery techniques. (Electrodes, cables, monitor and electrosurgery machine positioning). 4. Patient burns protection :isolated inputs do not protect against high frequency eleectrosurgery currents. Burns occur if the normal return path is interrupted and the current flows to ground through the monitor. Burns can be prevented by making sure that the patient is in intimate contact with the return patient plate, by using high frequency blocks (chokes) close to the E.G.C. electrodes sites and by using isolated-output electrosurgery units. 5. Monitor protection against damage from defibrillator pulses and electrosurgery currents : very sensitive input amplifiers must be able to survive up to 6,000 volt levels. 6. Battery powered monitors have a unique problem : Lack of a connection to ground. Whereas this is  most often considered a safety advantage, it can be a hazard if the patient or operator becomes the link from the equipment to ground for a dangerously high current. A very expensive cabinet design could eliminate the above hazard and make the battery powered monitor the ideal operating room instrument.


Ventilation problems with a cuffed armoured latex endotracheal tube. A case of mechanical airway obstruction is described. The cause of the obstruction proved to be an internal berniation resulting from detachment of the innermost latex layers of the tube. The various measures to avoid the hazards are briefly mentioned.


The effect of premedicants upon the lower oesophageal sphincter. The barrier function of the lower oesophageal sphincter is of great practical importance in the prevention of regurgitation and aspiration. The action of seven most commonly used premedicants upon the lower oesophageal sphincter was studied in ten healthy volunteers. The results were compared with a placebo injection in eight volunteers. Sodium pentobarbital, droperidol and triflupromazine increased the presenting pressure of the lower oesophageal sphincter. Decreases were observed after promethazine, pethidine, the combination of droperidol plus fentanyl and atropine.


Measurement of endocardial viability ratio (E.V.R.) during anesthesia for cardiac surgery. Since sub-endocardial ischemia is the consequence of a discrepancy between the blood demand and supply of oxygen at this level, the study of the myocardial performance by the measurement of the endocardial viability ratio (E.V.R.) is both useful and possible during anesthesia. E.V.R. is the ratio between the oxygen supply and demand of the myocardium. It is equal to the diastolic pressure time index (D.P.T.I.) over the tension time index (T.T.I.). Measurements are made at different times, by means of the arterial pressure and the left atrial pressure, as well as with the Datascope-E.V.R. Computer. During gradual morphine administration (0.5-1-1.5 mg/kg) and if no major surgical stress occurs, E.V.R. remains excellent and stable (1.46 - 1.48 - 1.43). It deteriorates more or less (1.29 - 1.09) during tachycardia or hypertension. Within the hour following the end of extracorporeal circulation, E.V.R. significantly improves (1.04 - 1.06 - 1.09 - 1.23). Although E.V.R. measurement is easy during cardiac surgery, it is impossible to carry out in case of arrhythmia. While morphine anesthesia induces no variation in E.V.R., tachycardia or hypertension require the addition of therapeutic drug. Within one hour following the end of extra-corporeal circulation, E.V.R. measurement shows improved endocardial viability, although the hemodynamic parameters undergo no significant change.


Severe burn cases : a tentative analysis of the epidemiological, clinical and bacteriological data. We have computerized the epidemiological, clinical and bacteriological data of 140 serious burn cases, hospitalized in our intensive care unit (I.C.U.). The most relevant conclusions are : Epidemiology : it is imperative to exert a prophylactic action against domestic burns through scalds and explosions. Clinic : the most frequent cause of death, during the phases of sept icemia, is cardiac failure. Lung burns significantly increase the mortality rate and they are impossible to codify in the classical systems of burn descriptions. Bacteriology : preventive antibiotic therapy determines, after three days, the strains which resist the usual antibiotics. An antibiotic loses some of its effect when used intensively in reanimation care. We express our concern with regard to the efficiency of antibiotic therapy in intensive care. We suggest to try and standardize data collection, so that multi-centre studies may help to increase the efficiency of their processing.


Role of intracellular calcium in the phasic and tonic contractions of stomach smooth muscles. The double sucrose gap is used to study the role of Ca-ions in the electromechanical coupling in the phasic and tonic contractions in the different parts of cat stomach. Extracellular Ca2+ is of primary importance in the activation of the tonic contractions. The regulation of the muscle tone under the action of external stimuli is achieved through gradual changes in the Ca-permeability of the cell membrane. Of primary significance for the activation of the phasic contractions is Ca which is released from the intracellular stores. The Ca2+-influx during the action potential results in additional modelation of the intensity of phasic contractions as well as to a re-charging of the intracellular Ca-depots. It is assumed that the differences in the mechanisms of activation of phasic and tonic contractions result not only from the specificities of membrane control but also from definite differences in the organization of the intracellular systems responsible for these contractions.


Effect of subacute intoxication with some heavy metals on hexobarbital sleep and metabolism. In experiments on albino rats it is found that cobaltous dichloride, cadmium nitrate, nickel sulphate, copper sulphate and lead acetate, applied subcutaneously for 7 days, potentiate hexobarbital anaesthesia, while mercury dichloride and iron dichloride have no effect on it. A higher hexobarbital content is found in the blood serum of rats, treated with cobaltous dichloride, cadmium nitrate, nickel sulphate, copper sulphate and lead acetate, compared with the control animals. Treatment for 7 days with cobalt dichloride, cadmium nitrate, copper sulphate and nickel sulphate inhibits the activity of the liver microsomal hexobarbital-oxidizing enzyme system. The prolonged hexobarbital sleep in rats subjected to subacute intoxication with cobalt, cadmium, nickel, copper and lead is probably due to a considerable extent to the inhibition of the hexobarbital metabolism by these metals.


Discharge frequency of the motor units in human muscles under different stationary isometric tension, investigated by a new method. A new method has been worked out for selective recording of the impulses of individual MU under high muscular efforts. It is suggested to use the EMG derivatives (the differentiated EMG-DEMG and the double differentiated EMG-DDEMG and possibly the higher derivatives). It was demonstrated that at different stationary isometric tensions the dependence between the discharge frequency and the tension may be linear or non-linear, with a bigger growth at the small efforts and a smaller growth at the big efforts. The inverse non-linearity--sharp rise of the frequency at the high efforts--was not established. Conformation was found for the possibility of distinguishing between two types of MU according to the type of this dependence.


On certain effects of dopaminergic agents in pentylenetetrazol convulsions. In experiments with pentylenetetrazol convulsion model it has been found that L-DOPA in a dose of 50 mg/kg has no influence, while 500 mg/kg potentiate convulsions. Amantadine in a dose of 25 mg/kg and particularly markedly in a dose of 100 mg/kg potentaites convulsive seizures. Amphetamine in a dose of 0.5 mg/kg has no effect, while 5 mg/kg potentiate convulsive seizures, which is particularly pronounced in mice. Apomorphine in doses of 0.5 and 5 mg/kg has no marked effect on convulsions. Haloperidol in doses of 0.2 and 2 mg/kg does not have a pronounced effect on convulsive-seizure reactions and does not influence the effect of L-DOPA and amantadine on these reactions. The results obtained suggested a rather indirect effect of the dopaminergic system on convulsive-seizure reactivity. It is possible that the effects of some of the dopaminergic agents studied are realized through influencing the relationships between the dopaminergic system and other neurotransmitter systems (especially cholinergic, GABA-ergic and serotonin-ergic).


Cu2+-effects on mitochondrial resistance to sodium deoxycholate. The effect of the preincubation of mitochondria with different doses of Cu2+ on the action of sodium deoxycholate (DOC) was studied. The amount of protein released from mitochondria upon their treatment with Cu2+ as an indice for the intactness of mitochondria was studied, too. On the account of Cu2+-influence on the level of mitochondrial SH groups Cu2+-effects on the action of DOC were compared with those of a thiol reagent p-chlormercuribenzoate (p-CMB). The results obtained show the following: Cu2+ in doses higher than 20 nmoles/mg protein induces conformational changes in mitochondrial membranes becoming more pronounced over 100 nmoles Cu2+/mg protein. These changes increase mitochondrial resistance to the action of DOC. Cu2+ in doses up to 100 nmoles/mg protein depending on the protein concentration of the suspension provokes a release of lower or higher amounts of protein from mitochondria. The higher resistance of mitochondria to DOC, as well as the release of protein from mitochondria after Cu2+-incubation are not due to mercaptide binding of SH groups as p-CMB does not affect these parameters.


Perception of orientation of short lines: its dependence on line's length and intensity. The threshold intensity necessary for correct identification of orientation of a briefly presented line was measured as a function of line's lenght and number of possible orientations (2 orientations differing by 90 degrees, 4 differing by 45 degrees, and 8 differing by 22.5 degrees). The thresholds were the same for 2, 4 and 8 orientations when the lines were longer than 20 min of arc. On the contrary, in the case of short lines, the correct report of 8 orientations required much more intensive stimulation than the report of 2 orientations. The discrimination of small differences in orientation of short lines involves additional processes to those for their detection and coarse perception of their orientation.


[The concept of depression. Evolution of thoughts from Kraepelin until today (author's transl)]. Our concept of depression have been profondly modified during these last decennies. The work of Kraepelin keeps an interest more than historical. By proposing a medical model for thymic troubles, he has opened the avenue for genetic and biochemical research which will confirm or not the nosology based on clinical investigations. Other models have been proposed for affective troubles : psychodynamic, ethological and experimental models. It is not yet possible to make a synthesis integrating psychological and biological parameters.


[The place of psychopharmacology in the treatment of depressions (author's transl)]. The great strides science has made in the field of pharmacology, on the one hand, and the refinement of numerous psychotherapeutic techniques, on the otherhand, provides the psychiatrist with efficient means to not only fight but also cure depressive illness. In certain cases electroconvulsive shock therapy performed under anaesthesia and under cover of a myoplegic remains nevertheless a necessity. This possibility must always be considered as it is not harmful to the patient.


The diagnosis and classification of depressions. The International Calassification of Diseases and other contemporary classifications of depression are discussed, together with some general and practical classification problems. Unambiguous operational criteria need to be used for establishing diagnostic validity and comparability. There is widespread agreement on the distinction between Type A and Type B depressions and between unipolar and bipolar illness.


Allergy to pollen from different deciduous trees in Sweden. An investigation with skin tests, provocation tests and the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) in springtime hay fever patients. 92 adult patients with springtime allergy were investigated with skin tests, provocation tests and the RAST. Allergen extracts from 12 different deciduous trees were used. Positive reactions, often of high intensity, were most often found with birch, alder, bog-myrtle, beech and hazel allergens whereas oak, aspen, linden, elm, sallow, maple and poplar allergens more often gave negative or only weak positive test results. Cross sensitizations were found between botanically related as well as between less related species of the trees. Almost all patients with a clinically relevant tree pollen allergy had positive provocation tests with birch pollen. No patient had positive reactions to all the 12 allergens included in the study. 68% had positive provocation tests with the combination birch, alder and hazel. It is concluded that for diagnostic screening purposes it is sufficient to use birch pollen allergen. If the majority of relevant tree pollens are to be included in a diagnostic or therapeutic programme in Western Sweden it should contain birch, alder, hazel, beech and bog-myrtle allergens.


The significance of nasal protease inhibitor concentrations in house dust allergy. In 57 patients with house dust allergy and 20 controls protease inhibitor concentrations in nasal secretions were measured before and after antigen challenge. A correlation was found between low inhibitor levels and long duration of disease. Furthermore, significant differences of inhibitor concentrations could be demonstrated between patients with strong or moderate reactions to antigen provocation, and between patients with isolated rhinitis or a combination of rhinitis and bronchial asthma. The clinical significance of the results will be discussed with special regard to different biochemical mechanisms in the pathophysiology of seasonal and perennial immediate-type rhinitis.


Prevention of experimental anaphylactic ulcer by antigen prefeeding. Studies were performed in animals to establish whether antigen prefeeding could present homocytotropic antibody synthesis and the induction of gastric ulcer resulting from mucosal anaphylaxis. A single digestive exposure to 1 or 10 mg ovalbumin induced a state of specific immunologic tolerance. Inhibition of the formation of specific reagins was shown by the study of mast cell degranulation. Tolerant animals presented a reduced incidence of gastric ulcer after subsequent mucosal challenge. These results are important for the development of methods of prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.


Polymorphism of A, B and C loci of lactate dehydrogenase in european fish species of the Cyprinidae family. In 24 fish species of the Cyprinidae family, belonging to 21 genera, isoenzyme patterns of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined, which could be classified in the majority of cases into 3 main groups. Isoenzyme patterns in natural hybrids of roach and rudd, roach and bream, roach and bleak were also analysed. In bitterling, polymorphism was observed in B locus of LDH. In white bream polymorphism exists in the A locus. In bream, rudd, silver carp and barbel polymorphism was found in C loci. Isoenzyme patterns indicate that in each case the polymorphism is genetically controlled by two alleles at a single locus. The populations investigated were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. No significant differences were found in the activity of liver LDH in various polymorphic types of C loci of bream and rudd.


The hemopexin locus: its assignment to linkage group I in the laboratory rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and evidence for a fourth allele. The hemopexin locus phenotypes were determined for 450 animals with polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the presence of a fourth allele at this locus was revealed. Of the 19 mating types segregating at this locus, 17 demonstrated segregation ratios consistent with the hypothesis of a four allele, codominant, autosomal system. Studies of three of our largest inbreeding lines indicated that fixation at this locus has occurred in two of them. Linkage studies showed that the Hx locus is located between the color locus, c, and the Hq blood group locus; therefore it is assigned to Linkage Group I of the rabbit.


NADH diaphorase as a genetic marker for sheep red cells. Three NADH diaphorase phenotypes were observed in the red cells of sheep. Breeding data indicated that this polymorphism was under the control of two autosomal codominant alleles, designated DiaF and DiaS. Phenotype Dia F had significantly lower NADH diaphorase activity than phenotype Dia S. The frequency of DiaF and DiaS was determined in 9 different breeds.


Close linkage between the albumin and Gc loci in the horse. Evidence for close linkage between the structural loci for albumin and Gc protein in the horse was presented. A recombination frequency (c) of 0.009 +/- 0.006 (95% confidence limits: 0.001 less than c less than 0.032) was estimated. These results were based on a study of a large sire family comprising 223 offspring from informative matings. No evidence of linkage disequilibrium was observed in one horse population studied.


Protein polymorphism and genic variation in a population of the loach Cobitis delicata. Hemoglobin, non-enzymatic and enzymatic muscle proteins of the loach Cobitis delicata were examined electrophoretically. Eleven proteins were shown to be under control by 20 loci. Only two loci were defined as polymorphic and 14 loci were completely monomorphic. Estimated average heterozygosity over all 20 loci was 0.011 in the loach population.


Phosphoglucomutase electrophoretic patterns of the loach Cobitis biwae. Phosphoglucomutase of two groups of the loach Cobitis biwae, a fresh-water teleost, was examined by starch gel electrophoresis. Some of the fishes had six-banded electrophoretic patterns not observed in other loach species (e.g. Misgurnus anguillicaudatus and Cobitis delicata). The complexity of the pattern is explainable by an assumption that the loaches are tetraploid fishes. The result suggests that a diploid-tetraploid relationship exists within the species Cobitis biwae.


[Effects of mode of food sterilization on mineral absorption in germ-free and conventional rats]. Minéral balances of P, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Mn, Fe and Cu were determined for three groups of holoxenic rats (CV) fed a non sterilized (CVN), steamsterilized (CVA) or irradiated (CVI) diet and for two groups of axenic (GF) rats fed a steam-sterilized (GFA) or irradiated (GFI) diet. In the group of CV rats as compared to CVN group of rats, the CVA and CVI rats retained less Cu and more Fe and Mn, their urinary excretion of P and Mg was higher and they retained less Mg. Comparison between CV and GF rats showed that the apparent absorption and retention of Ca, P, Mg, Mn, Cu were higher in GF than in CV rats. On the contrary, the apparent absorption of Na and K was lower in GF than in CV rats. However, the observed differences were modified by the mode of diet sterilization. Thus, with respect to the apparent absorption of Na, K, Mn and urinary excretion of Mg, the differences between CV and GF rats were larger when the diet was irradiated than when it was steam-sterilized. On the contrary, the apparent digestibility and urinary excretion of Mg, the apparent absorption and retention of Fe were more modified when the diet was steam-sterilized than when irradiated. For some parameters of the metabolism of Na, K, Fe, Mn, Mg, and P measured in GF rats, the differences observed between GFA and GFI rats were larger than in CV rats. Accordingly, the mode of sterilization is liable to modify the metabolism of some minerals and the microbial flora of the digestive tract is capable of modifying this action.


[Choice of bread].

[Choice of bread]. Bread can vary according to the flours used, extraction rate of fermentation methods, but the wast majority of French people usually consume white bread made with wheat flour. Size more than composition is the main criterion in the choice of bread. The choice of loaves with a large diameter corresponds to the traditional consumer in rural areas, but the general tendency is in favour of long loaves with a maximum of crust. This shape is more related to the qualities sought by consumers who want a "light", "crusty", well-baked (golden brown) loaf. Thus they are more interested in the consistency than in the taste, as bread is now only an accessory to a well-flavoured dish. Despite the large drop in the consumption of bread, this search for a good consistency is strong enough to justify quite frequently a detour to a baker whose quality of bread is better. However, this desire for quality does not seem to lead to a larger individual consumption. For various reasons, since the beginning of this century, man has lost his "taste for bread" and any improvement in the "taste of bread" would not be sufficient to make him find it again.


[Thyroid gland carcinomas. Statistical study of 79 cases (author's transl)]. Experience with 79 adult patients treated for thyroid cancer. The authors study different parameters of these cancers, particularly sex and age, circumstances of discovery and histological distribution. The state precisely their operative procedure and arguments on account of total thyroidectomy.