Physiological responses of women to thermal stress: a review. The recent increase in women's participation in physically challenging activities prompted this review of female responses to heat and cold (68 references). Relevant sex differences include hormone levels, anthropometric factors, and body composition. Many studies show that women are less heat tolerant than men, particularly when physical work is required. Much of the difference is related to women's relatively low level of physical fitness and lack of heat acclimatization, which are in turn a result of their traditionally sedentary lifestyle. When work load is adjusted relative to individual capacity, females respond to heat stress much as males do. Acclimatization mechanisms are the same. Women generally have lower sweat rates, an appropriate adjustment to lesser cooling needs. The menstrual cycle has no meaningful effect on heat tolerance. Cold response reflects individual subcutaneous fat thickness, and women have an advantage there, but in extreme cold exposure they may be handicapped by their small muscle mass. Sex per se is but a small factor in determining human thermal responses; individual body size, physical fitness, and state of acclimatization play for more important roles.


Maximal oxygen uptake, heat tolerance and rectal temperature. To determine the relation of rectal temperature (Tre) to Vo2max and heat tolerance, eight untrained, eight trained and five heat acclimated subjects (respective means +/- SE for Vo2max in ml/kg.min of 37.5 +/- 1.6; 55.7 +/- 1.5; and 54.5 +/- 3.2) were tested in 3 conditions: 60 min of exercise at a fixed load of 35 W at room temperature of 23 degrees C; 60 min of exercise at 35% Vo2max also at 23 degrees C, and 3-hr of exercise in heat (40 degrees C DB, 30 degrees C WB). The heat-acclimated group showed the best heat tolerance, while the untrained group showed the poorest responses in heat. Exercise at 35 W resulted in higher heart rates shown by the untrained, compared with the other subjects, while equilibrium Tre were 37.6, 37.9, and 38.2 degrees C, in the heat-acclimated, trained and untrained groups, respectively, with corresponding differences for resting Tre (36.7, 36.9, and 37.1 degrees C). During exercise at 35% Vo2max, the heat-acclimated group showed lower Tre than the trained group despite working at the same relative loads. Tre during exercise at 35 W at 23 degrees C correlated r = -70 with Vo2max and r = 0.80 with Tre during exercise in heat. These results show that Vo2max accounts for only part of the variability which determines the level of Tre in cool conditions with heat acclimatization accounting for the remainder of this relationship.


Utilization of stored elastic energy in leg extensor muscles by men and women. An alternating cycle of eccentric-concentric contractions in locomotion represents a sequence when storage and utilization of elastic energy takes place. It is possible that this storage capacity and its utilization depends on the imposed stretch loads in activated muscles, and that sex differences may be present in these phenomena. To investigate these assumed differences, subjects from both sexes and of good physical condition performed vertical jumps on the force-platform from the following experimental conditions: squatting jump (SJ) from a static starting position; counter-movement jump (CMJ) from a free standing position and with a preparatory counter-movement; drop jumps (DJ) from the various heights (20 to 100 cm) on to the platform followed immediately by a vertical jump. In all subjects the SJ, in which condition no appreciable storage of elastic energy takes place, produced the lowest height of rise of the whole body center of gravity (C.G.). The stretch load (drop height) influenced the performance so that height of rise of C. of G. increased when the drop height increased from 26 up to 62 cm (males) and from 20 to 50 cm (females). In all jumping conditions the men jumped higher than the women. However, examination of the utilization of elastic energy indicated that in CMJ the female subjects were able to utilize most (congruent to 90%) of the energy produced in the prestretching phase. Similarly, in DJ the overall change in positive energy over SJ condition was higher in women as compared to men. Thus the results suggest that although the leg extensor muscles of the men subjects could sustain much higher stretch loads, the females may be able to utilize a greater portion of the stored elastic energy in jumping activities.


Muscle strength and power changes during maximal isokinetic training. This study investigated the effects of short duration, high intensity training on skeletal muscle. The extensors and flexors of the knee were tested and exercised by means of an isokinetic dynamometer. Measurements of peak torque were obtained at velocities ranging from 0 degrees/sec (isometric) to 300 degrees/sec through a distance of 90 degrees. Total work output was measured during repeated knee extensions and flexions for work tasks of 6 sec and 30 sec duration. A 1-min test of repeated maximal contractions was administered to examine muscular fatiguability before and after training. The subjects trained one leg with repeated 6 sec exercise bouts, while the other leg was trained using repeated 30 sec bouts. All training and testing was executed at near maximal force and at a constant velocity (180 degrees/sec). The subjects trained four times per week for a period of seven weeks. The daily work output was equal for the 6 and 30 sec training legs. Results indicate that: (1) isokinetic training programs of 6 and 30 seconds duration can significantly (P less than .05) increase peak muscular torque; (2) training velocity may be an important consideration in improving peak torque; (3) total work output was increased an average of 30% with either training at relatively slow (60 degrees/sec) or fast (180 degrees/sec) velocities; (4) both training programs significantly reduced the fatiguability of the knee extensor muscles.


Effect of contraction frequency on effort sensations during cycling at a constant resistance. Five subjects performed 6 min of cycling exercise at a constant resistance (2 kg) and three pedalling frequencies (30, 50 and 75 rev.min-1). The resulting exercise intensities required 32, 45, 68% of their average Vo2max. Electromyographic tracings (EMG) from the left quadriceps and magnitude estimates of overall effort sensations were made continuously. There was no difference in the area of the smooth rectified EMG resulting from frequency or number of contractions. Slopes of the effort-time functions were not significantly different between 30 and 50 rev.min-1 and thus raised the issue of discriminability between cycling exercise intensities. The difference in slope between 50 and 75 rev.min-1 was significant (p less than 0.01). Oxygen uptake averaged for all subjects reached steady state between about 2-3 min of exercise but magnitude estimates of effort increased continuously during exercise. Thus, no correspondence was found between effort and Vo2 when the peripheral signal to the effort sense was held constant. It is concluded that the second input to the effort sense does not arise from cardiovascular and respiratory responses to oxygen demand from the periphery.


Achievement motivation and competition: perceptions and responses. This study investigated the influence of achievement motivation (Nach) on how individuals perceive an evaluative competition situation, whether they prefer to perform in this type of setting, and whether they seek the inherent appraisal information regarding their motoric competence. Specifically, perceived threat to self esteem was examined as indicated by state anxiety responses and measured by the Competitive Short Form of the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory. State anxiety was assessed at rest, while performing a motor task alone in a nonevaluative setting, and during competition against an equal ability opponent. Situation perference and information seeking behavior were assessed at the conclusion of the closely paced competition. Subjects were asked whether they had perferred performing in the noncompetition or competition situation and were given the opportunity to select the relative ability level of a future opponent. As predicted, the major findings indicated that high Nach males experienced less threat during competition than low Nach males. Further, more high than low Nach individuals perferred the competition situation to the noncompetition situation and sought the evaluative ability information to a greater extent by choosing opponents of equal or greater relative ability for a future hypothetical competition.


Effects on traction of outsole composition and hardnesses of basketball shoes and three types of playing surfaces. The purposes of this investigation were to determine the effects of outsole composition and hardness, playing surfaces and player weight on the dynamic torque, traction forces and static drag developed at the shoe-surface interface. Basketball shoes of polyurethane and elastomer outsoles, each of three different hardnesses, were tested on clean and dusty hardwood floor samples, and on a sample of an artificial gymnasium flooring. The tests were conducted using a laboratory apparatus which included a player leg assembly with simulation of two player weights. Dynamic torque, traction forces from side and rear impacts and static drag were measured at the shoe surface interface. The results indicated that in basketball the magnitude of the resistance forces and torques are influenced by the outsole material and outsole hardness of the shoes, the playing surface and player weights.


Glycogen depletion patterns during ice hockey performance. Eight male varsity ice hockey players were studied during 4 hockey games to investigate the alteration in blood substrates and the depletion pattern of glycogen in the fibers of the vastus lateralis muscle. Venous blood was sampled before and after each period and biopsies were taken prior to and immediately following each game. Significant elevations (p less than 0.05) in blood glucose, lactate and plasma FFA occurred following each period with little difference shown between the periods. Muscle glycogen declined an average of 60%. The histochemically determined glycogen depletion pattern indicated utilization of Type I, IIA and IIB fibers, with the greatest depletion occurring in the Type I fibers. In spite of the differences between forwards and defensemen in the length and number of shifts, the blood substrate profile, amount and pattern of glycogen depletion were similar.


Status of police officers with regard to selected cardio-respiratory and body compositional fitness variables. Physical performance and body composition characteristics of members (n = 75) and recruits (n = 61) of the Louisville Police Department (total n = 136) were assessed. Members were randomly selected males and ranged in age from 20 to 55 years and were ranked from the newest inductee through and including the Chief of Police. Members between the ages of 20 and 29 years assigned to active duty possessed average cardio-respiratory fitness (Vo2max). With age, cardio-respiratory fitness decreased and body weight and body fatness progressively increased. Male and female recruits entering basic training also demonstrated average cardio-respiratory fitness. Significant (P less than .05) increases for males and females in Vo2max and decreases in body fatness (males) were found following 4 months of physically rigorous recruit training. Fifteen of the male recruits who completed training were retested following 1 year of active duty. During active duty, physical activity involvement was limited to job requirements with no additional physical training imposed. Cardio-respiratory fitness and body fatness reverted to pre-training levels. It was concluded that the physical demands associated with police work are too low to permit maintenance of physical fitness.


Violent sex and suicide.

Violent sex and suicide. Early literature on sexual disorders and suicidiology are reviewed in this paper in the light of relationships between sexual problems, especially violent sexual ones, and suicide. The relationship between guilt feelings and suicide is viewed from the standpoint of current observations about sexually violent behavior and suicide. It was postulated that sexual perversions constitute a defensive means of coping with internal stress. Suicide is viewed as serving the same aim. Specific violent sexual behaviors such as sexual asphyxia and rape are discussed in terms of suicide. Transsexuality and transvestism are treated similarly. It is concluded that sexual violence and preversion in general are forms of self-destruction in themselves.


Community theatre: another tool for achieving social change in poverty neighborhoods. Although group therapists and neighborhood social workers have long made use of dramatics, community theatre is a new way of achieving development and deliberate social change in impoverished urban neighborhoods. After defining community theatre, this paper explores some of its theoretical and practical implications. Its relevance for community social work is stressed.


Suicide attempt and the emergency room of the general hospital. Data are presented on 270 consecutive cases of suicide attempts examined by a psychiatrist in a community general hospital's emergency room in Tel Aviv, Israel, during the years 1972--1974. The rates were 55:100,000, 42:100,000 and 33:100,000 respectively. The male-female ratio was 1:4. Predominantly young women having emotional problems used an overdosage of tranquillizers in an attempt to secure help. The second category of patients attempting suicide were males suffering from mental illness.


In search of a violence-free community.

In search of a violence-free community. The search for a violence-free community is as old as human society itself. The author reports on a nomadic tribe having two distinctive societies, as far as aggression and violence are concerned. The roots of this divergence are studied and its direct relationship to the introduction of a new frame of reference, in regard to violence, to one portion of the tribe is demonstrated. Some of the characteristics of this new frame of reference, the Baha'i faith, are elaborated upon.


Migration and urbanisation problems in Calcutta. This paper discusses the massive migration into Calcutta when India was divided in 1947 and afterwards. Assimilation of these refugees into the city's social structure and its effect on the living pattern, crime and mental illness are discussed. The process of urbanisation is found to be unique due to the nature of this city.


Single session psychotherapy in secondary male impotence. The feasibility of re-achieving sexual potency in males suffering from secondary impotence of nonorganic origin by the use of brief psychotherapy is demonstrated. Four cases are presented in which this result was achieved in a single session, as well as two others in which some further work had to be done. The importance of intervening psychotherapeutically as early as possible is stressed. Some of the prevalent dynamic features found in these cases are discussed.


A programme for the establishment and functioning of a community mental health service in the area of Beit Shemesh and the Jerusalem Corridor, Israel. The area of Beit Shemesh, situated in the Jerusalem Corridor has a socioeconomic structure of the pluralistic type characteristic of modern Israel. It includes a small but quickly growing industrial city, several cooperative (moshav) and communal (kibbutz) agricultural settlements, and has a population of colourful ethnic heterogenity. The main effort in the community mental health program which was established and developed in this area was made on the levels of primary and secondary psychiatric prevention. The psychiatric community work was accomplished with a highly flexible approach and an abundance of tactics and techniques, examples of which are presented in this article.


Induction of polygalacturonase production in legume roots as a consequence of extrachromosomal DNA carried by Rhizobium meliloti. The ability of Rhizobium meliloti to induce polygalacturonase production in legume roots decreased during culture under laboratory conditions but was inducible with mitomycin C. This character was irreversibly lost after treatment with acridine orange. Extrachromosomal DNA of molecular weight 5.9 x 10(6) daltons was detectable in neutral sucrose gradient but was absent from cells 'cured' with acridine orange. Therefore, the ability to induce the enzyme production may be controlled by a plasmid.


Analysis of rocking behavior.

Analysis of rocking behavior. Operant conditioning techniques were applied to the study of stereotyped body-rocking movements. Six mentally retarded children were tested individually in a fully automated situation under the following conditions: (a) free operant baseline; (b) intense auditory stimulation; (c) variable-interval (VI) and fixed-ratio (FR) reinforcement schedules; (d) differential reinforcement of low rate (DRL); (e) differential reinforcement of other behaviors (DRO); and (f) noncontingent reinforcement. The results indicated: (a) intense auditory stimulation increased the rate of rocking movements in four of six subjects; (b) VI and FR schedules generated curves that are representative of these schedules; (c) DRL schedules decelerated high-rate rocking; (d) DRO schedules eliminated high-rate rocking; (e) noncontigent reinforcement increased variability and resulted in decreased rate of responding. In conclusion, the data support the hypothesis that body-rocking movements in the mentally retarded are an operant and reflect the established characteristics of reinforcement schedules and operant controls.


A nonvocal system for teaching retarded children to read and write. This study investigated the development of nonvocal teaching of reading and writing in severely retarded children. Fourteen subjects were selected who demonstrated limited communication skills, and were randomly placed into two groups. Group A received training procedures utilizing abstract plastic symbols which were arbitrarily assigned to represent specific words. The training program was divided into three phases. Phase I consisted of training left to right sequencing of four color--coded forms; Phase II consisted of training of matching symbols to stimulus pictures; and Phase III consisted of training of fading from symbols to printed words. The subjects completing this training program demonstrated the ability to learn selected reading and writing skills, i.e., they learned to sequence an article, subject noun, auxiliary verb, and verb. They also demonstrated functional semantic comprehension of five nouns and five verbs. Thirteen subjects finished the communication training program in less than four months with a mean training of 7 hours and 55 minutes. This is approximately 2 hours of training a month per subject to learn these skills. The data showed that Group B (rebuses) required fewer trials than Group A (abstract symbols) to meet criterion for Phase II, matching symbols to stimulus pictures. This suggests that Group B subjects may have had a meaningful association for the rebus signs which generalized to stimulus pictures. Group A (abstract symbols) required fewer trials than Group B (rebuse) to meet criterion for Phase 111, matching printed words to stimulus pictures. This indicates that perhaps Group A's training with abstract symbols positively affected learning to read printed words. The success of the visual nonvocal treatment program with the severely retarded is encouraging. Indeed, this is a different and viable approach in teaching communication skills (reading and writing) to the retarded.


Developing generalized instruction-following behavior in severely retarded people. A sequence of studies used a transfer of stimulus control procedure to train severely and profoundly retarded people to follow verb-noun instructions and to perform correctly when given only a verbal label for an action or object. Procedures were developed and utilized for providing the subjects with strategies for successfully generalizing to untrained instructions. When training was initiated on more complex instructions involving color or size adjectives, all subjects had some difficulty in acquiring the conditional discriminations. Modifications in the training procedures resulted in most of the subjects learning to respond correctly. Many of the variables deemed critical in training instruction-following skills with such a population are discussed in detail based on the data presented. The implications for training expressive skills in such a population are also discussed.


Profound developmental retardation: descriptive and theoretical utility of the Bayley Mental Scale. Although infant developmental tests have been available for decades, their employment in the analysis of profound developmental retardation has been limited to the prediction of later retardation and the global evaluation of intervention effects. This report summarizes a descriptive study of a sample of profoundly retarded, organically impaired children and adults (IQ less than 15), all of whom were administered the Mental Scale of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID). One purpose was to promote a more empirically based as well as developmentally oriented treatment of profound retardation, one that bears a closer relationship to the study of normal intellectual development. Another purpose was to examine the reliability of the Mental Scale as tool for assessing behavioral repertoires and for evaluating the effects of intervention with the profoundly retarded. With several qualifications related to test-retest reliability, the Bayley Mental Scale appears capable of serving both descriptive and theoretical functions, and thus of assisting in the organization of new approaches to intervention with profoundly retarded and organically impaired individuals.


Behavioral changes in nonambulatory, profoundly mentally retarded individuals. Nonambulatory, profoundly mentally retarded (NPMR) individuals seldom have been studied as a distinct population. This investigation sought to describe the pshysical, etiological, and behavioral characteristics of NPMR children and adults and to evaluate the effects of intensive physical and social stimulation on their ongoing behavior. Sixteen NPMR subjects were studied for 2 1/2 years. All were PMR, bedridden, abnormally small, and unresponsive to external stimulation. Baseline data concerning developmental status, diurnal patterns of sleep and activity, behavior in a novel situation, ongoing ward behavior, and anthropometric measures were obtained. Subjects were highly variable in their responses to items from the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, with overall performance below that of a normal six month old. Although subjects showed some diurnal pattern of sleep, they frequently fell asleep for short periods at random time during the day. In a novel situation subjects responded minimally to stimulus objects, or not at all. Typically, their ongoing ward behavior consisted of very low level activity, involving small peripheral limb movements, wandering or blinking eyes, mouthing or grimacing, and repetitive, reflexive types of patterns labeled "fixed action sequences." Experimental treatment consisted of three phases of daily stimulation. (1) Subjects were placed in an upright or elevated position in specially constructed "playpens." (2) Subjects were placed in "playpens" and many toys were presented. (3) Subjects were positioned in pairs so that direct physical contact was provided. Each phase resulted in changed behavioral profiles during treatment. Furthermore, all experimental subjects showed beneficial effects of treatment in their ongoing ward behavior, diurnal sleep patterns, Bayley performance, or response to novel situations. Implications of this research extend to understanding environmentally induced changes in neurological maturation and social development in individuals previously thought to be hopelessly devastated. The descriptive data are intended to provide a useful framework for further systematic research with NPMR populations.


Biochemical and physiologic consequences of carnitine palmityltransferase deficiency. A patient with a long history of exercise-unduced pain developed myoglobinuria and respiratory failure following extensive exercise (football). Although muscle histochemistry was normal, tissue oxidation of 14C-labeled palmitate was decreased, and muscle carnitine palmityltransferase (CPT) activity was one-tenth of normal. During fasting, his creatine kinase (CK) rose from 127 mu/ml to 278 mu/ml and blood ketones failed to exhibit a normal rise. Triglycerides were normal, as was fatty-acid mobilization. Prolonged exercise resulted in an inordinately increased CK with only moderate elevations in lactate. Treatment with medium-chain triglycerides did not alter his symptoms or improve exercise performance. Pain on exercise is a common complaint, but the occurrence of myoglobinuria points to a defect of energy metabolism; Screening for defects of fat utilization may be accomplished by the prolonged-exercise test, invitro oxidation of 14C-labeled substrates, and prolonged fasting.


Subacute skeletal myopathy induced by 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate in rats and guinea pigs. Rats and guinea pigs were injected with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate (2,4-D) in amounts sufficient to keep them myotonic for over 12 hr daily. The biceps brachii muscles were studied by histochemistry, epoxy resin histology, and electron microscopy after one to five days. Changes observed include proliferation of the longitudinal component of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, production of new myofilaments on the periphery of cells and in nuclei, activation of satellite cells, accumulation of lipid droplets, myofibrillar damage with Z-disc streaming, necrosis, and regeneration. The action mehanisms of 2,4-D are not well understood. Some of the phenomena observed could be classified as proliferative and may be analogous to the auxin action of 2,4-D in plants. The production of intranuclear filaments is probably related to the diffusion of newly formed cytoplasmic proteins into nuclei.


Choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholinesterase in muscular dystrophic mice. The activities of choline acetyltransferase (CAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were assayed in various tissues of dystrophic (dy/dy) and normal mice of Bar Harbor strain 129. The brain weights of these dystrophic mice were not significantly different from those of normal mice, but the average body weight of these dystrophic mice was only 66.8% of that of the controls. The activity of CAT (expressed as unit activity per mg of protein) was very similar in the brains of both groups of animals, but the CAT activity (per mg of protein) in the hindlimb muscles of the dystrophic mice was significantly higher than that of the controls. The patterns of AChE activity, as separated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, were distinctly different in extracts of dystrophic and normal muscle. Compared with controls, decreased activity of the 15-S and 10-S forms of AChE, with increased activity of a 4.3-S formed of AChE, was observed in dystrophic muscle.


Isometric tension from rotary stimulation of fast and slow cat muscles. In cats anesthetized with alpha-chloralose, different populations of motor units in soleus, plantaris, and medial gastrocnemius muscles were stimulated in rotation through surgically divided groups of ventral roots. As a result, smooth muscular contractions were obtained at low frequencies of rotary stimulation, and maximal tetanic tensions were induced at frequencies within the upper range of voluntary contractions. The frequencies necessary to induce maximal tetanic contractions were lower for slow-twitch muscles than for fast-twitch muscles. It is speculated that the primary benefit resulting from asynchronous stimulation of the muscles is in the engagement of the tendon, which permits motor units to exert their tension without having to overcome a major portion of the elastic damping.


Sensory (1a) and F-wave conduction velocity in the proximal segment of the tibial nerve. The F-wave was used to estimate the fastest motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) along the proximal segment (spinal cord to knee) of the axons of the tibial nerve in 65 control subjects, 8 patients with diabetic polyneuropathy, and 4 patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Terminal latencies and MNCV along the distal segment (knee to ankle) of the nerve were also estimated with the conventional M-response technique. This article describes another method for estimating sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) along 1a fibers of the tibial nerve for the spinal cord-to-knee segment. Proximal and distal MNCV showed moderate slowing in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy and severe slowing in those with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. In 17 control subjects, proximal MNCV for the axons supplying the abductor hallucis muscle was compared to that estimated for the axons to the gastrocnemius muscle. MNCV for the proximal is faster than that for the distal small muscle. In 2 patients, M- and F-responses were not obtained from the abductor hallucis; in these patients, effective estimation of the proximal MNCV was made from the gastrocnemius muscle and showed marked reduction.


Muscle trophic factor: II. Ontogenic development of activity of a muscle trophic factor in chicken serum. The activity of chicken skeletal muscle cell trophic factor was greater in chicken serum than in other tissues examined. The variation of this activity in chicken serum was studied pre- and post hatching. The activity of the factor in the embryo was high from day 11 to day 13 of incubation and then decreased, reaching a minimum on day 16. It subsequently increased again, reaching a peak around the day of hatching. After hatching, the activity in serum began to decrease on day 4, reaching a minimum at day 18. In the hen, activity did not very significantly beyond day 18. In the rooster, however, activity increased gradually from about day 50, reached a new maximum by day 110, and was maintained at this level thereafter. The ratio of the average activity of serum from roosters older than 110 days to that of hens of the same age was about 4:3. The time course of activity of the trophic factor closely parallels that of the growth and differentiation of the muscle in vivo.


Monomelic muscle hypertrophy following transient ischemic attacks: a case report. A 39-year-old right-handed male suffered several episodes of transient right-sided weakness, sensory loss, and Broca's aphasia at age 31. Diagnostic studies failed to demonstrate any cause for these events. Following a complete recovery, he noted the onset of stiffness and increasing muscle bulk in his right arm, which gradually restricted its use. Simultaneous recordings from contracting biceps and triceps muscles in both arms suggested that the hypertrophy was physiologically induced by an abnormal mechanism providing resistance during phasing activity.


Muscle trophic factor: I. Assay of a muscle trophic factor by measurement of muscle cell nuclei. A method for assaying a skeletal muscle cell trophic factor in chicken serum is described. The number of myoblast and myotube nuclei was considered to reflect the rate of myoblast multiplication and was thus adopted as an index for the activity of the trophic factor. In a 35-mm Falcon plastic Petri dish, 2.5 x 10(40) to 10(5) myoblasts were cultured. The culture medium consisted of 85% Eagle's minimum essential medium and 15% horse serum. The assay medium was composed of 2.4 ml of this culture medium and 0.1 ml of partially purified trophic factor or appropriately diluted chicken serum. Four dishes were prepared for each sample under identical conditions. On day 4 of incubation, cells were fixed, stained and observed under a microscope, and the number of nuclei in 20 fields was counted. The mean number of nuclei obtained from the four dishes was used to denote a single point. A three-point common-zero method of slope-ratio assay was used to calculate activity. The activity of the trophic factor was expressed with reference to the effect of the control serum on myoblast multiplication.


Acute muscle necrosis after chronic overdosage of phenformin and fenfluramine. A case of acute muscle necrosis with probable myoglobinuria is presented. The patient had been taking excessive doses of phenformin and fenfluramine, and a toxic etiology is suggested. Muscle necrosis is tentatively attributed either to the combined effect of these drugs on some underlying biochemical abnormality of muscle or to a defect of oxygen utilization secondary to myoglobin alterations.


Muscle trophic factor: III. Effect of hormones and tissue extracts on muscle trophic-factor activity. The ability of classical hormones or extract from adult chicken tissues to replace or influence the activity of chicken skeletal muscle cell trophic factor was investigated. Pituitary gland extract did not replace the trophic factor in a range equivalent to the serum concentrations of somatotropin, although high concentrations of such extract showed a significant ability to mimic trophic-factor activity. Insulin, triiodothyronine, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (Stanolone), and estradiol did not show any ability to mimic trophic-factor activity. Both pituitary extract and insulin showed a potentiating effect on the trophic factor when added to the medium; however, the concentrations necessary for this effect were too high to be considered physiologic. Triiodothyronine, testosterone, Stanolone, and estradiol did not potentiate the trophic factor; indeed, at higher concentrations, these hormones actually suppressed the activity of the trophic factor. Every tissue extract examined showed, to a greater or lesser extent, the ability to potentiate the trophic factor.


Three new species of penicillium.

Three new species of penicillium. Three new species of microfungi belonging to the genus Penicillium Link ex Fries are described and illustrated. All but one have been isolated from the atmosphere of las Palmas, capital city of the island of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain). They clearly differ from all species of the genus described so far and are, therefore, described and proposed as new species: Penicillium hispanicum sp. nov., Penicillium grancanariae sp. nov., and Penicillium palmensis sp. nov.


The effect of prednisolone trimethylacetate on the pathogenicity of Dermatophilus congolensis to white mice. Albino mice were successfully infected intravenously, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally and on the intact and scarified skin with Dermatophilus congolensis. Various gross lesions were observed. Large subcutaneous nodules were produced in mice that were injected subcutaneously. Lesions involving the internal organs were obtained in mice that had been injected intravenously and intraperitoneally in addition to microabsessation and scab formation on the tails of those that were injected intravenously. The application of D. congolensis on scarified skin resulted in scab formation covering the whole area while its application on non-scarified skin produced isolated lesions. The organism was isolated in pure culture from exudate, pus and scab material obtained from lesions. Severe histopathological changes were noted in sections prepared from the lesions. Premedication of mice with prednisolone trimethylacetate increased the severity of the experimentally induced lesions.


Electrodiagnostic findings in acute porphyric neuropathy. Of 115 patients with acute intermittent porphyria seen during a 20-year period, 11 had experienced an acute episode of quadriparesis. Nerve conduction studies performed on 8 of these 11 patients showed low-amplitude compound action potentials and normal velocity measurements. Needle electromyography demonstrated prominent fibrillation potentials, especially in proximal muscles. The changes in these findings with time confirm that this disorder is an acute axonal neuropathy.


On the occurrence of striated muscle within the spinal leptomeninges. A clinically normal adult male rabbit was found to possess fascicles of muscle fibers within the leptomeninges over the spinal cord at L6, L7, and S1. The finding is believed to be purely incidental and unrelated to any experimental procedure. Morphologically, the fascicles had the characteristics of striated muscle; and, while most were of normal dimensions, several were made up of small fibers 4-10 micron in diameter. Motor endplates, capillaries, and endomysial and perimysial connective tissue were also present. Axons myelinated by Schwann cells were associated with the normal bundles but were absent from the bundles of small fibers. In such bundles, large, unmyelinated axons predominated, some of which lacked ensheathment while others were invested by perineurial-type cells. The observation of incidental intraleptomeningeal skeletal muscle probably reflects a rare developmental anomaly. Its occurrence in humans is also discussed.


[Diagnosis of intraocular tumors: phosphorus 32 test]. The 32P test occupies an interesting place among the methods used in the diagnosis of intraocular tumours. It must, however, be reserved for certain situations only, and carried out under clearly defined conditions. The authors outline the indications and modalities of this test, and report the results obtained at the clinic of ophthalmology of Lausanne where it has been in use over the last 10 years.


Presence of endoarterial dispositives regulating retinal blood circulation. We have observed for the first time some pedunculated blocking formations of the central retinal artery. Their function could be to regulate retinal blood perfusion.


On the management of congenital cataract with Dardenne's equipment. After a short review of the operative techniques applied for the extraction of congenital cataract the authors describe the method of irrigation-aspiration of the lens material by means of the Dardenne equipment. Following an analysis of the results obtained with this procedure in a number of patients operated on at the Eye Clinic at Athens University, they discuss the advantages and shortcomings of the method, insisting in particular on: the importance of a complete removal of the lens debris; the careful scraping of the posterior lens capsule, and the necessity of an intensive postoperative anti-inflammatory therapy, especially in cases of congenital cataract due to rubella.


[Experiences with transtrabecular iridectomy]. A transtrabecular iridectomy was performed in 17 eyes with narrow angle glaucoma, and in 3 eyes in which the trabecular meshwork was gonioscopically not visible. Postoperatively, the conjunctive lied directly on the sclera in 14 cases; in 6 cases a circumscribed conjunctival bleb developed in the operation field. After a follow-up of 12 or 24 months, the intraocular pressure was normalized without miotics in 15 of 17 eyes. The mechanism of transtrabecular iridectomy is discussed.


[Attempt to minimize postoperative trauma after trabeculotomy]. We tried to modify the technique of trabeculotomy in order to minimize the trauma to the anterior part of the eye, when tearing the trabecular meshwork. (1) With help of an annular probe, having a lumen, a nylon thread is pushed through Schlemm's canal and the trabecular meshwork cutted circumferentially. (2) With a 'flat probe', corresponding to the configuration of Schlemm's canal, the trabecular meshwork is torn. (3) A so-called 'hook probe' is described, which tears the trabecular meshwork while being sucessively pulled backwards. According to our experiments, the usefulness of the thread technique and of the 'flat probe' is not yet to be decided upon. On the other hand, the advantages of the 'hook probe' are clearly visible, in avoiding the complications connected with twisting the probe into the anterior chamber.


Adenoma of the iris pigment epithelium.

Adenoma of the iris pigment epithelium. The clinical, fluorescein angiographical and histopathological findings of a mucous-producing adenoma apparently arising from the iris pigment epithelium is reported, and the differential diagnosis is discussed. Benign epitheliomas of the iris pigment epithelium are exceedingly rare and are usually heavily pigmented tumors. This appears to be the second documented case of a nonpigmented benign epithelioma of the iris.


The efficacy of various insecticides against the larvae of Lucilia cuprina (Wied.), the green blowfly of sheep. I. In vitro tests using a resistant and susceptible strain. In order to determine the larvicidal action of different insecticides against both susceptible and resistant blowfly strains in the Republic of South Africa, an attempt was made to find a suitable in vitro method for mortality counts and potency evaluations. After a series of preliminary trials the Australian method of Roxburgh & Shanahan (1973) was adopted as the most reliable for this purpose. A statistical analysis by computer of the basic data at Onderstepoort established the superiority of the LC50 value in biological assays over the LC99 or the closely related minimum lethal concentration (MLC). The insecticidal action of different blowfly compounds was evaluated for relative potency against both susceptible and resistant blowfly strains by comparing their LC50 values in their logarithmic form. Comparisons are fully justifiable where the individual regression coefficients of the insecticides under test do not deviate significantly from a common slope initially calculated (Finney, 1971). A diazinon formulation proved the most potent against susceptible blowflies and fenthion ethyl against the resistant strain from Riversdale. Relative insecticidal potencies varied from 0,07-0,62 in the former compound and from 0,35-0,66 in the latter.


Light and electron microscopical studies on canine encephalitozoonosis: cerebral vasculitis. Brain lesions in 2 natural cases of canine encephalitozoonosis were studied by light and electron microscopy. Granulomatous reactions, associated with small vessels and capillaries, partly originated from extensive perithelial cell proliferation which ultimately produced the epithelioid cell component. Diffuse glial reactions apparently occurred in relation to the vasculitis. Lymphoid cells infiltrated the epithelioid and glial cell inflammation. Encephalitozoon in all its reproductive stages was identified as the aetiological agent, and ultrastructurally differentiated from Nosema on the basis that a single nucleus was observed. Viable organisms were present only within endothelial cells. Macrophages containing dead spores were usually seen around parasitized vessels and, less frequently, in the neuropil. Organisms, whether viable or non-viable, were never seen extracellularly at the ultrastructural level. Selected histochemical stains and electron microscopy were used to differentiate between viable and non-viable spores. Vasculitis is demonstrated as the underlying lesion of canine encephalitozoonosis affecting the brain and is suggested to be the basic factor in the pathogenesis of this disease.


Effects of 60Co irradiation on Amblyomma hebraeum Koch, 1844 (Acarina: Ixodidae). The effects of 60Co irradiation on Amblyomma hebraeum Koch, 1844 were studied by mating normal females to males irradiated to attain dosages of 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 kilorad. The males of all 5 groups were observed mating 7 days after being placed on the host. The higher the irradiation dosage received by the males, progressively longer were the feeding periods of the females mated with them and fewer completed their engorgement. Furthermore, the mass of the females when engorged was lower, fewer laid eggs and the number of eggs they laid decreased progressively. None of the egg batches produced by females mated with irradiated males hatched. No chromosomal abnormalities or discrepancies in spermiophore formation were found in the 2 and 4 kilorad group males, while no micro- or macroscopical growth of the 6 and 8 kilorad group male testes took place, although accessory gland development appeared normal. A. hebraeum males have a chromosome complement of 10 bivalents and a univalent sex chromosome.


Amicarbalide: a therapeutic agent for anaplasmosis. When administered subcutaneously in 2 equal daily doses at a total dosage rate of 20 mg/kg, amicarbalide was found to be an effective agent for controlling acute infections of Anaplasma marginale and A. centrale in intact and splenectomized cattle. Attempts to sterilize patent and latent Anaplasma infections, however, were unsuccessful. At total dosage rates of 40 mg/kg and higher, amicarbalide exhibited potent hepato- and nephrotoxic tendencies.


Nutritional values of different blood diets expressed as reproductive potentials in adult Stomoxys calcitrans L. (Diptera: Muscidae). Experiments with Stomoxys calcitrans adults showed that different blood diets markedly affect the lifespan and reproductive potential of this species. When fed on blood from herbivores (cattle, sheep, goat, horse and donkey) the adults lay more eggs than they do when fed on blood from omnivores (pig). Blood from carnivores (dog) is even less suitable than that from omnivores, and no eggs are laid when the flies are fed on chicken blood.


Bovine parafilariosis in Southern Africa: a preliminary report. A total of 32,042 cattle, slaughtered at the Pretoria, Johannesburg and Durban abattoirs, was examined for parafilariosis and as many animals as possible were traced to the farms from which they originated. The disease is most prevalent in the Bushveld areas of the northern Transvaal. The most important factors limiting its distribution are the annual rainfall and the duration of the frost period. Mention is made of some aspects of the economic loss involved. The effect of routine anthelmintic treatment and dipping on the prevalence of the parasite is briefly discussed.


Are there two classes of classically-conditioned responses? It is proposed that two response classes interact during classical conditioning: (1) a specific effect which directs responding towards or away from the CS, depending upon whether a positive or negative outcome is signaled, and (2) a general, emotional effect which interferes with responding. The interaction between these two response classes can account for the varied results obtained under CER and autoshaping procedures, and must be considered in any analysis which attempts to account for the complex nature of the conditioned response.


The relationship between motor and secretory behaviors in classical appetitive conditioning. Three hungry dogs received pairings of food with an accessible, illuminated panel. This resulted in the dogs' approaching the lighted panel and salivating. Despite the similarity of these conditioning procedures to those used in a large body of research primarily with avians, however, the dogs did not physically contact the lighted stimulus panel. These results bear on several issues concerning the form and direction of classically conditioned behaviors.


"Reinforcement" in behavior theory.

"Reinforcement" in behavior theory. In its Pavlovian context, "reinforcement" was actually a descriptive term for the functional relation between an unconditional and a conditional stimulus. When it was adopted into operant conditioning, "reinforcement" became the central concept and the key operation, but with new qualifications, new referents, and new expectations. Some behavior theorists believed that "reinforcers" comprise a special and limited class of stimuli or events, and they speculated about what the essential "nature of reinforcement" might be. It is now known that any stimulus can serve a reinforcing function, with due recognition of such parameters as subject species characteristics, stimulus intensity, sensory modality, and schedule of application. This paper comments on these developments from the standpoint of reflex behavior theory.


Exposition of visual stimuli in an aversive situation and self-exposure to light in rats. The aim of the work presented was to test the effect of associating visual stimuli with an aversive situation on later self-exposure to these stimuli. Forty-five male albino rats (Wistar) aged approximately 90 days were divided into three groups; visual trained in avoidance response to visual stimuli; auditory trained in avoidance response to auditory stimuli; and neutral untrained in avoidance response. In part two of the experiment all the rats were tested in a chamber for self-exposure to light. A statistically significant increase in the rewarding value of visual stimulation was found in the visual group in comparison with the remaining groups. This effect is interpreted as a result of extinction of anxiety response to visual stimuli as a result of which relaxation begins to positively reinforce the response leading to switching on the light.


The localization over time of exogenous aldosterone and angiotensin II in various organs. Central nervous system effects have been demonstrated for angiotensin II and suggested for aldosterone. In order to determine whether either of these chemicals naturally crosses the blood-brain barrier, radioactive aldosterone and angiotensin II were introduced via intracardiac injections in rats. Samples of blood, liver, kidney, adrenals, cerebral cortex, and hypothalamus were collected at three, 15, and 60 minutes, frozen, dissolved, and counted. Blood levels for aldosterone and angiotensin II remained constant over 60 minutes. Aldosterone accumulated in the liver, kidney, adrenals and hypothalamus three minutes after injection, and levels diminished over time. Angiotensin II levels peaked in the adrenal, kidney, and liver after three minutes, and in the hypothalamus after 15 minutes. Cerebral cortex levels were lower than hypothalamic levels by 30% for aldosterone and 50% for angiotensin II. This suggests that both drugs may enter the central nervous system and selectively accumulate in the hypothalamus.


Sesquiterpene lactones (SL) part XXIV. Further studies on cytotoxic activities of SL in tissue culture of human cancer cells. Cytotoxicity of most of the 18 new sesquiterpene lactones (SL), derivatives of germacran, guaian, pseudoguaian, and selinan, and related glycosides was studied by tissue culture method on human KB and HeLa cell lines. Eleven compounds with ED50, activity values between 0.24 and 2.40 microgram/ml (9,2.10(-7)--9.1.10(-6) M) were qualified for further in vivo investigation. It seems that: a) unsaturated alpha-exo-methylene-gamma-lactone ring:-O-CO-C=CH2 conjugated with basic terpene carbocyclic skeleton plays the main role for cytotoxicity of SL. The next determinants of the activity are apparently: b) sesquiterpenoid carbocyclic grouping (germacranolides (GE), pseudoguaianolides (PGU), guaianolides (GU), c) the position of cyclization of gamma-lactone ring (C6--C12) or C8--C12), d) some substituents with an epoxide and/or keto-function in different positions of sesquiterpenoids. The natural and modified alpha-exo-methylene-guaianolide-C3-glycosides (GUG) are not significantly more potent than the remaining alpha-exo-methylene-gamma-lactones.


Phenazone metabolism during perfusion of isolated guinea pig liver. After 3 hr of perfusion of isolated guinea pig liver with a medium containing 407 ng/ml of phenazone, the drug concentration in the bile was 1.5 times higher than the initial concentration in the perfusion fluid. This indicates that in addition to phenazone metabolism, liver eliminates the drug by active releasing it to the bile. The active release is responsible for depression of phenazone concentration during the perfusion in approx. 6%. The remaining loss of phenazone is due to its hepatic metabolism.


Effects of lesions of the Locus coeruleus and the ventral noradrenergic bundle on the antinociceptive action of clonidine in rats. Effects of electrolytic lesions of noradrenergic brain systems on clonidine-induced analgesia were tested in rats by tail-compression method. Bilateral lesions of the locus coereleus decreased clonidine analgesia whilst lesions involving the ventral noradrenergic bundle produced no significant effect. These data demonstrate that antinociceptive effect of clonidine is related to action upon the noradrenergic system of the locus coeruleus.


Synthesis and pharmacological properties of 1,3 and 5-substituted 2-pyrrolidinones. We described synthesis of 1-aryl-3 and 5-substituted 2-pyrrolidinones (2a--5a and 3b--4b). Pharmacological studies revealed that compounds 3b, 4a and 4b have analgetic and antiinflammatory properties. None of the compounds posesses neuroleptic or anticonvulsant properties.


Synthesis and pharmacological screening of some N-carboxymethylbarbituric acid derivatives. I. Reaction of haloacetate with barbital and methylphenobarbital in polar aprotic solvents in the presence of anhydrous K2CO3 gave N-carboalkoxymethyl derivatives in good yields. Acidic hydrolysis of the latter compounds affords N-carboxymethyl derivatives of barbital 8 or methylphenobarbital 7. From acid 7 and 8 via acid chlorides, amides 11--20 were prepared. These amides lack anticonvulsant activity and show only slight sedative and analgesic action.


Cancerostatics. III. Synthesis and some chemical transformations of 3-cyano-5(pyridyl-4.)pyrid-2-one. In reaction of 3-dimethylamino-2-(pyridyl-4')acrolein with cyanoacetic acid and malononitrile new derivatives of 3,4'-dipyridyl were obtained. The synthesis of pyridyl-4-cyanoacetaldehyde 2 is also described. One of these compounds (8) showed significant cytostatic activity against transplanted Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and Nemeth-Kellner lymphoma.


Pyridazino[1,2-a] 1,2,5-triazepines.

Pyridazino[1,2-a] 1,2,5-triazepines. By the condensation of 1,2-di(chloracetyl)piperidazine with primary amines 3-substituted derivatives of 1,5-diketoperhydropyridazino[1,2-a] 1,2,5-triazepine (1--8, Fig. 1) were obtained. Some of them show sedative action at the 25--100 mg/k dosis level and are of low ip toxicity.


Acylation of benzoxazolin-2-ones and 3-hydroxy-1,2-benzisoxazoles. The acylation courses of 5-bromo and 5,7-dibromo derivatives of benzoxazolin-2--one (BO) and isomeric 3-hydroxy-1,2-benzisoxazoles (BIO) with acetic anhydride, benzoyl chlorides and alkyl chloroformates were investigated. In view of principal course of N-acylation in BO-and O-acylation in BIO-group some of the newly obtained compounds, namely 5,7-Br2-2-(o-chlorobenzoyloxy)-BO (5a) and N-alkoxycarbonyl BIO (22a--27a) make the exceptions. Compounds 25a and 26a were found to possess relatively the most intensive depressant action on the CNS.


Effect of Venoruton on the factor XIII activity in rat plasma. The effect of Venoruton [O-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutoside] on the activity of factor XIII in rat plasma was studied in vivo. The drug was administered to the animals intragastrically 6 times a week during 90 days in doses of 5 mg/100 g body weight. An about twofold increase in factor XIII activity beginning after several days of treatment and lasting for several weeks was observed. Then an attenuation of factor XIII activity down to the control level took place in spite of systematic Venoruton administration. Spectrofluorimetric determinations of factor XIII activity were confirmed by thromboelastrographic studies.


Hexahydrochromane derivatives. Part I.

Hexahydrochromane derivatives. Part I. Several new 4-substituted derivatives of hexahydrochromane were obtained. A new method for preparing the key intermediate for synthesis of this compounds i.e. ethyl 4-cyanohexahydrochromane-4-carboxylate 2 was elaborated. Comp. 8 shown central depressive activity.


Subcutaneous vaccination of chickens with a live, avirulent Pasteurella multocida, Vaccine. The immunogenic responses to various routes of vaccination of broiler-type chickens to the Clemson University strain of Pasteurella multocida were evaluated. Broilers were vaccinated at 9 or 10 weeks of age using the oral (drinking water), palatine cleft, ocular, or subcutaneous injection routes. All birds were challenged at 11 or 12 weeks of age with virulent X-73 strain of P. multocida by the palatine cleft method. The degree of efficacy of the various vaccination routes differed among three experiments. Nevertheless, the subcutaneous route produced the greatest degree of protection in all experiments and in two experiments differences were highly significant (P less than .01). Protection levels as high as 95% and 97.5% were attained in broilers vaccinated subcutaneously and no undesirable lesions or cheesy masses formed under the skin in the back of the necks of broilers.


In vivo and in vitro studies on the effect of gentamicin sulfate on the efficacy of the turkey herpesvirus vaccine. In vitro studies indicate that the titer of the cell-free or cell-associated turkey herpevirus (HVT) vaccine was not appreciably reduced when incubated with .1, .2, or .3 mg of gentamicin sulfate for up to 2 hr. However, the titer of both the cell-free and cell-associated HVT vaccines was reduced when incubated with .4 mg of gentamicin sulfate for 2 hr. However, in vivo studies show that the incidence of Marek's disease (MD) in chickens which were vaccinated with the cell-free or cell-associated HVT vaccine which had been incubated with ,1, .2, .3, or .4 mg of gentamicin sulfate up to 2 hr was not increased when compared to chickens receiving only the HVT vaccine. The results of other laboratory studies also show that there was no increase in the incidence of MD when comparing chickens which received either 1360 or 6360 PFU of cell-free HVT vaccine or 1250 or 5690 PFU of cell-associated HVT vaccine to those vaccinated with the same doses of cell-free or cell-associated HVT vaccine containing .2 mg of gentamicin sulfate.


Studies on the effect of butylated hydroxytoluene on Mycoplasma synoviae. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is one of the antioxidants added to human and animal feed products in concentrations ranging from 50 to 200 ppm to delay degradation of the labile lipid components. BHT is known to be an inactivator of mammalian and bacterial viruses that contain lipid. Results of in vitro studies showed that 10 ppm of BHT in Mycoplasma medium prevented growth of each of the six Mycoplasma synoviae (Ms) isolates. BHT added at 100, 200, and 400 ppm in the feed did not have any significant in vivo effect on the Ms serological responses or show any chemoprophylactic effect on birds infected with Ms.


The accumulation and elimination of tissue residues after feeding pentachloronitrobenzene to White Leghorn cockerels. Day-old White Leghorn cockerels were fed graded levels (10, 50, 100, and 1000 ppm) of pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) containing pentachlorobenzene (PCB), tetrachloronitrobenzene (TCNB), and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) at trace contaminants, for 12 weeks. Bioaccumulation of PCNB and its metabolites in tissues does not appear to occur to any major extent. The contaminants of PCNB, HCB, and PCB were found to accumulate to a greater degree in adipose tissue than does PCNB itself. TCNB was also detected in adipose tissue and in trace amounts in other tissues. PCNB accumulated to the highest concentration in body fat followed by gizzard and kidney. Only traces of PCNB were found in heart, liver, leg, and heart muscle. Metabolites, pentachloroaniline (PCA), and pentachlorphenylmethylsulfide (PCMS) were found in only trace quantities following the feeding of 1000 ppm PCNB. Half-life values for the depletion of the contaminants of PCNB, PCB, and HCB were determined in adipose tissue of cockerels; values as high as 53 and 95 days were found for PCB and HCB, respectively.


Toxicological studies with mirex in bobwhite quail. Bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) received dietary mirex in concentrations of 1, 20 and 40 ppm to investigate reproductive effects of long term exposure to this chemical. Residue analyses of Fo generation breeders indicated that male adipose tissue contained approximately 10 times the mirex level in the diet. Elimination of mirex in females probably was facilitated by egg laying, which reduced mirex buildup in adipose tissue to five times the dietary level. Both sexes were noted to concentrate mirex in fat and breast tissue in direct proportion to the intake of dietary mirex. Eggs collected from Fo generation breeders were not affected deleteriously by mirex as measured by embryo survival to 3 weeks, and thenumber of eggs failing to hatch. Indeed, increased rates of egg fertility and hatchability were associated with higher dietary concentrations. Chick survival data was obtained in Fp and F1 generation hatchlings from hatching through 2 weeks. No chick mortality attributable to pesticide stress was detected in either group of birds. Eggs collected from F1 generation breeders that received 1 ppm were not affected harmfully as measured by embryonation, embryo survival, and hatchability rates. Comparison of residues in wild bobwhites with residues in our experimental findings indicates mirex is apparently not affecting deleteriously reproductive success of wild quail.


Leg bone abnormalities and histopathology of caged and floor reared broilers fed diets devoid of selected vitamins and minerals. Summers et al., 1978, described an experiment in which performance and leg conditions of birds fed diets devoid of synthetic biotin, choline, folic acid, manganese, and miacin were observed and recoreded. This is a report on birds from the same experiment. Dyschondroplasia of the tibia was documented and the distal end of each tibia examined histologically. Metatarsal length and condyle depth of the distal tibia were also determined. Metatarsal length was influenced by vitamin deficiencies as well as the type of floor on which binds were raised. The depth of the intercondyle space was affected more by a manganese deficiency than by vitamin deficiencies and, in this case, was greater on plastic and litter as opposed to wire floors. There did not appear to be a correlation between the space depth and slipping of the tendons; however, a large number of birds should be examined to provide more data. Dyschondroplasia was more prevalent in choline deficient birds, particularly those birds raised on litter or plastic floors. Histology changes in relation to nutrient deficiencies were comparable to those reported previously.


Viral proliferation patterns of a velogenic (VLT), a mesogenic (Komarov), and a lentogenic (F) strain of Newcastle disease virus. A highly pathogenic and two avirulent vaccine strains of Newcastle disease virus were investigated quantitatively for their proliferation in various tissues of experimentally infected SPF chickens. Virulent strain VLT multiplied extensively in all the tested tissues whereas a mesogenic strain (K) was not detected in the brain during the period of observations. A lentogenic strain (F) was only detected in moderate quantities in trachea. The development of antibodies seemed to correlate with the disappearance of the two avirulent strains from the tissues.


The effect of dietary protein levels in isocaloric diets on the composition of avian pancreatic juice. A permanent indwelling cannula was placed in the main pancreatic duct of 10-week-old commercial strain male chickens. The birds were fed isocaloric corn-soybean meal diets containing either 11.5% or 18.5% crude protein for two 5-day periods in a reversal experimental design. Irrespective of diet, chickens consumed more feed and secreted more pancreatic juice during the daytime than during the nighttime (P less than .01). The concentrations of crude protein and chloride ion and the activities of trypsin, chymotrypsin, and amylase in the pancreatic juice were the same for the daytime and nighttime periods. Significant differences were observed between the two collection periods for the total quantities of these materials secreted (P less than .01). Although the chickens consumed equal amounts of the two rations, trypsin and chymotrypsin responded to the dietary change. Greater proteolytic enzyme activities were found in the pancreatic juice as a response to eating the 18.5% protein diet. The chickens remained in excellent condition throughout the experiment, the cannulas remained unobstructed, and the pancreata secreted up to seven weeks with no cessation of flow.


Comparison of the transfer of 125I, 82Br, and 26Cl into the growing oocytes of the Japanese quail. Laying Japanese quail were doubly-labeled with either 125I and 36Cl or 82Br and 36Cl. Eighteen-hour accumulations, expressed as percent of tracer doses, were: growing oocytes, 125I 48.2 vs. 36Cl 2.07, 82Br 4.01 vs. 36Cl 1.99; thyroids, 125I 10.6 vs. 36Cl .030, 82Br .027 vs. 36Cl .020. Concentrations (expressed as percent per gram) of the radionuclides in the growing oocytes and the thyroids as compared with concentrations in the plasma were: for oocytes, the mean 125I concentration was 199 times the mean plasma concentration, 82Br was .34 x and 36Cl was .13 x; for thyroids, 125I was 13,500 x, 82Br was .48 x, and 36Cl was .41 x the mean plasma concentration. Eight day totals for yolks of eggs laid were 125I 29% vs. 36Cl 3.7%.


An assay procedure for inositol pentaphosphate in avian erythrocytes. A method to determine the concentration of inositol pentaphosphate (IP5) in chicken erythrocytes is described. Lysates of washed erythrocytes were treated with trichloroacetic acid to remove protein and were chromatographed on Dowex-1 chloride columns. After eluting the other organic phosphates with .3 N HCl, IP5 was eluted with .5 N HCl and quantitated by phosphorus assay. The mean for 12 chickens was 15.4 +/- 2.71 micromoles/g hemoglobin. The method should be useful for the assay of large numbers of samples.


Changes in erythrocyte metabolism following acute blood loss in chickens. The effect of acute blood loss on erythrocyte metabolism has been studied in a number of mammals. This study was designated to provide comparative data in chickens. Twenty to 30 ml of blood were removed from 7 chickens for 3 successive days. Packed red cell volumes were restored at the rate of 1.46% per day, and a maximum reticulocyte count (26.7%) occurred on the third day after the initial phlebotomy. Fourteen of the 16 erythrocyte enzymes measured became elevated significantly. Enzymatic activity was increased when the greatest numbers of young red cells were in the circulation and declined as the erythrocytes aged. Initial enzymatic activity was not related to the subsequent magnitude of increased activity. Inositol pentaphosphate, adenosine 5'-triphosphate, and reduced glutathione, but not 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, increased significantly in the postphlebotomy period. The markedly rapid and significant rise of inositol pentaphosphate suggested that it was controlled. That could be the way hemoglobin function is controlled during changing physiologic requirements.


The filling and emptying of the uterovaginal sperm-host glands in the domestic hen. In a series of three replicated experiments, dwarf hens were inseminated with semen of one phenotype (normal or dwarf) and then reinseminated 4 hr later with semen of the other phenotype. All eggs were pedigree-hatched for two weeks following the inseminations. Subsequent phenotypic determinations of the progeny demonstrated a preponderance of offspring from the latter insemination. The results suggested that spermatozoa sequentially filled the uterovaginal sperm-host glands which produced a permanent stratification of sperm cells, and mixing did not occur within a gland. Emptying of the host-glands appeared to follow a pattern of slow superficial leakage where spermatozoa from the second insemination were the first spermatozoa released, giving rise to the large number of progeny phenotypes from the second insemination. In addition, progeny phenotypes from the second insemination were predominant throughout the fertility period suggesting that the storage capacity of the uterovaginal sperm-host glands can exceed the functional life span of stored spermatozoa following a normal insemination.


Determination of corticosterone concentration in plasma of turkeys using raioimmunoassay. A method of determining corticosterone concentration in turkey plasma was developed using radioimmunoassay. Compared to fluorometric analysis and competitive protein-binding radioassay, this method had the following advantages: 1) results were consistent, 2) the method was simple and rapid to perform, 3) only 20 lambda of plasma was required, 4) all procedures were performed using the same tube except for counting, and 5) unknown and standard samples were treated identically. The coefficient of variation with the 5 ng/ml standard sample between 14 sets of assays was 12.6% and the average coefficient of variation within duplicate assays of unknown samples randomly selected from each of the 14 series was 4%. Using this method, there was an increase in the average plasma corticosterone concentration in all groups of inoculated turkeys one day after inoculation of Pasteurella multocida which was significantly (P less than .05) greater than that of the noninoculated groups.


Sexual maturity in broiler breeder males. Sexual maturity and fertility of two lines of broiler breeder males, one commercial and one experimental, were evaluated individually in order to determine the earliest age at which they could be expected to produce viable spermatozoa capable of producing acceptable fertility. Comparative data for the two lines were also collected on duration of fertility, percent fertility, percent hatchability and chicks per hen during an 8-week period using pooled semen from each of the two lines. The results of this study indicate that 9.1 and 6.8% of the male of the experimental and commercial lines, respectively, produce viable spermatozoa at 11 weeks of age, and consequently, could be selected at that age and used to reproduce stock under selection. The duration of fertility was 10.5 days for the experimental line and 8.8 days for the commercial lines; with fertility levels of 86.1 and 82.8%, respectively, for the eggs produced by the two lines during this period. There were no differences in fertility, hatchability, or chicks produce per hen between the two lines for the 8-week reproductive period.


Initial observations on the effect of corticosterone and inbred antibody competency in chickens on population development of the northern fowl mite. Roosters from a line artificially selected for high initial antibody response to sheep red blood cells were more resistant to development of populations of Ornitbonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini and Fanzago) than were birds selected for low antibody response. Oral administration of corticosterone to test chickens at doses ranging from 10 to 40 ppm did not affect mite development. The steroid regimen was shown to reduce lymphocyte and testes mass as well as total weight gain. Postmortem measurements were not different for the 2 inbred lines. Analysis of data indicated that antibody competency alone probably was not responsbile for the observed differences in mite populations.


Partial purification and characterization of chicken corticosteroid-binding globulin. Affinity chromatography of pooled chicken serum yielded a solution in which 45% of the protein was corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG). Further purification by single passes through hydroxylapatite and Biogel A-.5m resulted in a final product with about 91% purity. The molecular weight was 56,000 daltons as determined by gel filtration and 63,000 as determined by sodium dodecysulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The amino acid composition was similar to that of mammalian CBG's when compared on the basis of total amino acid residues of each type. However, the avian CBG was much lower than mammalian CBG in half-cystine residues. The corticosteroid-binding ability of the purified CBG was increased up to tenfold by treatment with dithiothreitol (DTT). Of several cations tested, Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, and Mn2+ exhibited some synergism with DTT, but were ineffective by themselves; Cu2+ was inhibitory. The association constant toward corticosterone at 4 degrees was 3.6 X 10(-7) M-1. Unlike mammalian CBG, which does not bind dexamethasone, the chicken CBG binds dexamethasone with almost the same affinity as corticosterone.


A radioimmunoassay for 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine in chicken serum. A double-antibody radioimmunoassay is described for 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) in chicken serum. Primary antibody produced in a rabbit had negligible crossreactivity with 3,3,5'-triiodothyronine and thyroxine. The primary antibody diluted 1:1000 bound 50% of a tracer dose of 125I-T3, and a standard curve of 0 to 800 pg/tube was used. Percent binding ranged from 14.1 to 54.1 for a standard curve. Serum volume ranging from 50 to 150 microliter tube did not affect assay results. Coefficient of variation was 2.8% within the assay and 5.5% between assays. The inhibitor 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid was necessary for recovery of T3 from spiked samples. Young chickens had reduced serum T3 concentrations when fed diets containing .1% thiouracil for 14 days when compared with serum T3 concentrations of chickens fed the diet without thiouracil. Feeding .2% thiouracil for 3 days did not affect serum T3 concentration.


Oxidation of [U-14C] palmitic acid by cock spermatozoa. When washed cock spermatozoa were incubated with [U-14 C] palmitic acid at 37 C for 2 hr under aerobic conditions, radioactivity was recovered as carbon dioxide indicating the fatty acid was oxidized. Little if any radioactivity was recovered as carbon dioxide when spermatozoa were killed by boiling, indicating the necessity for viable spermatozoa for the successful incorporation and oxidation of palmitic acid. To determine whether the oxidation of palmitic acid could serve as a source of energy for cock spermatozoa, ATP concentrations of spermatozoa were compared immediately following ejaculation and after 1,2, and 3 hr of incubation (37 C) with and without the addition of palmitic acid. At 1,2, and 3 hr of incubation, spermatozoa with palmitic acid as a substrate produced significantly (P less than or equal to .03) more ATP (2.62, 2.24, and 1.26 micrograms ATP/10(9) cells, respectively) than did spermatozoa without palmitic acid (1.62, 1.11, and .79 micrograms ATP/10(9) cells, respectively). These findings indicate that palmitic acid, one of the most abundant long-chain saturated fatty acids in cock spermatozoa, can be utilized as a source of energy.


Studies on dispersed unincubated chick blastoderm cells. II. Formation of contacts and cell sorting in aggregates of unincubated chick blastoderm and heart cells. The configuration of blastoderm-heart cell aggregates after cell sorting depended largely on the proportion of each cell type initially present in the culture. In heterotypic aggregates, blastoderm cells were always found to partially or completely surround heart cells with both cell types retaining their characteristic morphology. Specialized junctions (e.g. desmosomes) developed only between cells of the same type. These observations suggest that blastoderm cells are unable to recognize and form stable contacts with heart cells.


The effect of sodium pentobarbital on the fertility of fowl spermatozoa. The effect of three levels of sodium pentobarbital in modified glycine-citrate extender on the preservation of the fertilizing capacity of fowl spermatozoa was tested. Extended semen samples were stored for 24 and 48 hr at 2 C before insemination. Insemination with semen stored for 24 hr in the extender containing 120 mg of sodium pentobarbital provided the best results (73.9%).


Hemoglobulin levels of turkeys from 1 to 28 days of age. Average circulating hemoglobin levels +/- standard deviations of male turkeys were 11.6 +/- 1.5 g, 8.8 +/- 1.6 g, and 10.4 +/- .8g/dl at 1,5, and 14 days of age, respectively. Hemoglobin levels remained relatively stable from 14 to 28 days of age. Although the changes in hemoglobin levels during the first 14 days after hatch were not statistically significant, the data are consistent with observations made by other researchers with chicks, geese, and quail.


Lipid peroxidation in fowl spermatozoa.

Lipid peroxidation in fowl spermatozoa. During aerobic incubation at 40 to 41 C washed cock spermatozoa resuspended in phosphate buffer formed a thiobarbituric acid-reactive product. Their susceptibility to peroxidation was enhanced by the addition of ascorbate and was not altered by storage for 24 hr at 0 C. A severe impairment of motility was associated with the peroxidized spermatozoa.


The effect of oviposition on fertility in chickens. The fertility between the first two eggs of a clutch and between eggs oviposited by the same bird on the same day were compared to determine the effect of oviposition on fertility. No differences in fertility were observed indicating that factors other than oviposition are involved in the mechanism of spermatozoal release and fertility in chickens.


Hydrazine and quinoxaline derivatives of aryl L-ascorbic acid analogs. The synthesis of a series of 4-aryl-2-hydroxytetronimides (1) and their oxidation products (2) with nitrous acid is described. The aryl-2,3-dioxobutyrolactones (2) with acyl- or arylhydrazines gave the corresponding bisacyl- (3) or bisarylhydrazones (4). Furthermore, the lactones 2 with o-phenylenediamine gave, either quinoxaline derivatives (5) or Schiff bases (6) depending upon the reactant ratio.


Synthesis of some 4-hydroxypiperazine and N.N.-dibenzylhydroxylamine esters with potential local anaesthetic activity. In the synthetic approach to some new local anaesthetics, it was desirable to prepare esters of N1-methyl-N4-hydroxypiperazine and N.N-dibenzylhydroxylamine. Their local anaesthetic activity testing is in progress.


Synthesis of substituted 7-hydroxy-5H-1.3.4-thiadiazolo[3.2-a]pyrimidin-5-ones with anticipated antimicrobial activity. The synthesis of some derivatives of substituted 7-hydroxy-5H-1.3.4-thiadiazolo[3.2-a]pyrimidin-5-ones, as possible antimicrobial agents, is described. The IR, NMR and MS data of representative members of the series are reported. Proposed common fragmentation pathways for this series are deduced.


Spectrophotometric determination of chloramphenicol-sulphacetamide in eye drops. A rapid method for the determination of chloramphenicol in chloramphenicol-sulphacetamide drops is discussed. The method depends upon precipitating sulphacetamide as its silver salt by a solution of silver nitrate. Chloramphenicol is determined in the filtrate using the modified Vierordt's method. Sulphacetamide was determined by suitably diluting the drops with 0.01 N H2SO4 and then applying the modified Vierordt's method. The presence of macrogols proved not to interfere with the determination. Mean percentage recoveries +/- s.d. for chloramphenicol and sulphacetamide were found to be 100.8 +/- 0.95 and 100.2 +/- 1.0, respectively.


Effect of guar gum on the dissolution rate of ephedrine hydrochloride and sulphadimidine tablets. The effect of guar gum as a binder was studied in comparison with other commonly used binders namely: gun acacia, Carbopol 934, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and Explotab on the disintegration time and the dissolution rate of tablets containing ephedrine hydrochloride and sulphadimidine. The results revealed that the solubility of the drug as well as the concentration and the type of binder affect both the disintegration time and the dissolution rate of the tablet.


Low power radio-frequency and microwave effects on human electroencephalogram and behavior. In a pilot study of ten human subjects, temporary changes in brain waves and behavior were seen on exposure to power densities lower than 10(-12) W/cm2, which is substantially below typical urban levels. Frequencies included .1 to 960 MHz continuous and 8.5 to 9.6 GHz pulse-modulated waves. Since the relaxation frequency of protein-bound water is considered to fall between 100 and 1,000 MHz, absorptions and quantum effects may be the mechanistic basis for the electroencephalogram changes observed in most of the subjects produced by 10(-15) W/cm2 cw radio-frequency energy of between 130 and 960 MHz. Constructive and destructive interference patterns from standing waves within the skull possibly interact with the bioelectric generators in the brain, since electroencephalogram wave amplitudes and frequencies increased or decreased respectively at different radio wavelengths.


The cure of advanced cancer by diet therapy: a summary of 30 years of clinical experimentation. Thirty years of clinical experimentation has led to a successful therapy for advanced cancer. This therapy is based on the concepts (1) that cancer patients have low immuno-reactivity and generalized tissue damage, especially of the liver, and (2) that when the cancer is destroyed, toxic degradation products appear in the bloodstream which lead to coma and death from liver failure. The therapy consists of high potassium, low sodium diet, with no fats or oils, and minimal animal proteins. Juices of raw fruits and vegetables and of raw liver provide active oxidizing enzymes which facilitate rehabilitation of the liver. Iodine and niacin supplementation is used. Caffeine enemas cause dilation of bile ducts, which facilitates excretion of toxic cancer breakdown products by the liver and dialysis of toxic products from blood across the colonic wall. The therapy must be used as an integrated whole. Parts of the therapy used in isolation will not be successful. This therapy has cured many cases of advanced cancer.


A medical application of the Ling association-induction hypothesis: the high potassium, low sodium diet of the Gerson cancer therapy. The high potassium, low sodium diet of the Gerson therapy has been observed experimentally to cure many cases of advanced cancer in man, but the reason was not clear. Recent studies from the laboratory of Ling indicate that high potassium, low sodium environments can partially return damaged cell proteins to their normal undamaged configuration. Therefore, the damage in other tissues, induced by toxins and breakdown products from the cancer, is probably partly repaired by the Gerson therapy throught this mechanism.


Studies on homosynaptic (posttetanic) potentiation: a cholinergic modulator of presynaptic origin. Effects of soluble proteins (peptides, glycopeptides) extracted from presynaptic cholinergic vesicles of both rat brain and electric organ of Torpedo marmorata on postsynaptic spike generation were studied. The extracts potentiated postsynaptic effects of both endogenous and exogenous acetylcholine and had properties that fulfilled the minimum necessary requirements by Zetler of a modulator of a specific putative neurotransmitter effect. This modulator seems responsible for homosynaptic (posttetanic) potentiation. Therefore when cholinergic vesicle walls fuse with presynaptic terminal membrane during presynaptic stimulation, they verse into the synaptic cleft "modulator" substance(s) together with acetylcholine.


The clinical value of digoxin in patients with heart failure and sinus rhythm. Six patients in sinus rhythm with congestive heart failure due to either myocardial infarction or cardiomyopathy, were given oral frusemide to eliminate oedema. Symptomatic relief occurred as body weight was reduced, and after a 'dry' basal weight had been achieved, progressive-load exercise testing was done to examine any benefit that derived from adding oral digoxin to the diuretic. Three pairs of sub-maximal exercise tests were done at intervals over three months, and the responses of each patient when using digoxin and diuretics were compared with those when using diuretics alone. One patient did not complete this study, because more frequent premature beats and increased angina followed the withdrawal of digoxin. For the five patients who completed three pairs of tests, there was no significant change in symptoms, in workload achieved, or in heart rate, respiratory rate, ventilation and respiratory quotient, whether digoxin was added or removed. It is concluded that in these patients where salt and water retention was controlled with diuretics, digoxin did not improve the capacity for exercise, and it is suggested that for such patients with myocardial disease in sinus rhythm, treatment should begin with diuretics.


Peri-partum cardiac failure.

Peri-partum cardiac failure. The syndrome of peri-partum cardiac failure (PPCF) has been studied in 224 women seen in three years in Zaria, in northern Nigeria. A very high proportion were rural Hausa patients. There was a seasonal peak in July, and the incidence was about one per cent of deliveries. The risk increased with both age and parity. Symptoms began most commonly in the second week after delivery, and admission was commonest in the fourth. Typical signs of cardiac failure were found, and pulsus alternans, atrio-ventricular valvular incompetence, transient systemic hypertension and splenomegaly were common. The chest radiograph showed marked cardiomegaly, and extrasystoles and inverted T waves were often present in the electrocardiogram (ECG). Hypoalbuminaemia was common. Digoxin and diuretics were rapidly effective, causing a mean weight loss of 29 per cent in 15 days, resolution of hypertension, and a fall in the cardio-thoracic ratio (CTR) from 61 to 53 per cent. During the first year after diagnosis, the CTR became normal in 82 per cent of patients, and the ECG in 60 per cent. PPCF recurred, again with the same seasonal variation, after 19 per cent of subsequent pregnancies. During follow up for two to five years, 22 per cent of the women became hypertensive, and 11 per cent died. The prognosis was worst in those with an arrhythmia, hypertension, sustained cardiomegaly or aged 30 or more. Asymtomatic post-partum hypertension (PPHT) was found in 61 per cent of normal Hausa women, with a seasonal peak in May, especially in those with hypertension during pregnancy or labour, and twin pregnancies. Peri-partum cardiac failure may be due to the combined pressure load of PPHT, the volume load from eating the customary sodium-rich kanwa, and the cardiovascular demands of heat, both climatic and traditionally self-imposed.


Myoglobinuria, rhabdomyolysis and marathon running. Rhabdomyolysis, secondary to exertion is known to result in myoglobinuria and is occasionally associated with acute renal failure. In this study myoglobinaemia occurred in 25 of 44 runners completing a 99 km marathon. A marked rise in the values of myoglobin, lactate and the enzymes creatine kinase (CPK), aspartate transaminase (AST) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) was noted. A linear correlation was demonstrated between the level of serum myoglobin and the serum concentrations of urate, CPK, AST and LDH. Both the myoglobin itself and the increased concentration of urate may contribute to the acute renal failure. The pathophysiology of rhabdomyolysis during exertion is discussed in the context of other causes of myoglobinuria. A classification of rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria is suggested.


Lung function in acromegaly.

Lung function in acromegaly. Lung function has been assessed by spirometry, body plethysmography, flow volume loops and single breath transfer factor in thirty patients with acromegaly. Having excluded eight patients with kyphosis and/or clinical or radiological evidence of pulmonary venous hypertension we have found a significant correlation between duration of acromegaly and lung size as assessed by total lung capacity. Excluding the same eight patients we have found evidence of small airways narrowing in eight patients, seven of these eight had had acromegaly for nine years or longer, and the duration of acromegaly was significantly longer in the patients with small airways narrowing than in those without. In the absence of other recognized causes it is possible that small airways narrowing in acromegaly is caused either by the increased whole blood volume with pulmonary vascular engorgement, or by increase in size of the soft tissues of the small conducting airways. Six of the eight patients with kyphosis and/or pulmonary venous hypertension also had evidence of small airways narrowing. Thus fourteen of the thirty patients with acromegaly had small airways narrowing. Five men had evidence of extra thoracic airway narrowing and in four the duration of acromegaly was ten years or longer. We conclude that the increase in total lung capacity, the incidence of small airways narrowing and the incidence of upper airway narrowing are all related to the duration of acromegaly. It seems that once duration exceeds eight years patients are very likely to develop abnormalities of lung function either primarily from the effects of acromegaly on the airways and lung or secondarily from the associated cardiovascular and thoracic skeletal abnormalities. It seems probable that the small airways and upper airway narrowing contribute to the morbidity and mortality of this disease. This study provides further evidence that acromegaly should be treated early.


Lipoid proteinosis; a clinical, pathological and genetic study. The clinical, pathological, and genetic findings in two closely related families in which a number of cases of lipoid proteinosis occurred are described. The necropsy findings, particularly the neuropathological aspects, in a patient who died from a coincidental pancreatic carcinoma are detailed. The genetic aspects are reviewed.


[Progress in cerebrospinal fluid diagnostic studies contributed by cytocentrifugation]. Immunological studies in cerebrospinal fluid of acute viral and tubercular meningitidis, and other inflammatory diseases of CNS require a strict cellular detection and identification, that may be reached by cytocentrifugation. Several cases are reported, in which cytocentrifugation was obtained by Shandon-Elliott cytocentrifuge. Some morphological aspects are discussed, as the presence of high levels of "reticulomonocytes" in encephalitis, plasma-cells in acute disorders, activated lymphocytes in viral meningitis.


[The importance of biological standardization in clinical laboratory examinations (author's transl)]. The AA. consider the various causes that can give rise to different results regarding one same biological sample which has been examined various times in the same or in different laboratories. From the analysis of the possible sources of variability and from the results obtained in research performed by various laboratories in the course of a polycentric co-ordinate study, the AA. deduce some general considerations about the measures to be taken in order to reduce the different sources of variability (either fortuitous or systematic) and they especially emphasize the practic usefulness of considering the question of "laboratory errors" not only as a question of accurate dosage, but also, and primarily, as a question of biological standardization.


[Relationship between the platelet aggregation of the newborn and mother (author's transl)]. The platelets function of newborn aroused great interest in these last years. On this line, AA. made the stretching test according to Breddin K. and Burck K. H., and. Breddin's Aggregation test on blood coming from 30 couples mother-newborn, drawn immediately after the birth. 22 newborns (73.3%) showed a stretching less than 65%, as well as 21 mothers (70%). The average stretching of mothers resulted 59.5% (+/- 2.26), whereas the average of newborns resulted 55.03% (+/- 2.71). Student's T, calculated on these values, did not result statistically meaningfull. Data-difference of Aggregation test according to Breddin and Burck, pertinent the couples mother-newborn gave on contrary satisfactory statistical information (p less than 0.0001). The explanatory characteristics of stretching test did not allow further issues, whereas Aggregation test results allow to come to the conclusion that newborn's platelets show a less capacity, as to mother's platelets, to aggregata under a mechanical standardized stimulation.


[Emerson-Trinder reaction: study of various chromogens and analyses of the principle interferences (author's transl)]. Several phenolic compounds and aromatic amines were tested with a system consisting of hydrogen peroxide, peroxidase and 4-aminophenazone for their chromogenic activity in the Emerson-Trinder reaction: sulphonated 2,4-diclorophenol had the greatest activity, about 4 times that of unsubstituted phenol. The mechanism of action of serum components (serum proteins, bilirubin and ascorbic acid) which can interfere in the Emerson-Trinder reaction was also investigated by the same analytical system. Binding of phenolic compounds to serum was found to be responsible for protein interference: this can be overcome by increasing the phenolic compounds concentration. The interference by bilirubin and ascorbic acid is due to hydrogen peroxide consumption, in competition with the chromogenic substrate.


[Local synthesis of immunoglobulins in pleural effusions. II]. A report is given about the synthesis of IgG immunoglobulins in the pleural infiltrations. The quantity of immunoglobulins locally yielded is estimated through the ratio IgG/Albumin in the blood and in the infiltration. Evidence is given that the mechanic and neoplastic transudates are easily detectable on account of the failed local synthesis of immunoglobulins of IgG type. A short account is given of the local synthesis of IgA.


[The true error and the attributed error: analysis of the causes and remedies from specimen collection to response]. After a brief definition of accidental, systematic error and blunder, the AA. analyse the causes and remedies of the error, before and during the laboratory stage. During the latter they analyse the manual and automatic steps of the tests. The AA. conclude that the modern laboratory is a very efficient and sometimes resolving means in order to formulate a diagnosis. It's not the diagnosis.


[Current problems in diagnosis and screening of thalassemia (author's transl)]. The diagnosis of different forms of thalassemia, considering the genetic variant giving different hematological pattern, is discussed. The laboratory tests useful for this diagnosis and mainly the most recent techniques are particularly considered for their specificity and convenience. The problems of screening with special consideration for health education, laboratory tests and different social and psychological aspects are treated.


[Proposed new method of separation of Hb A2 for standardization of the screening of microcythemias]. The AA. suggest a dose-method of Hb A2, which implies the adoption of tris-EDTA-Glycin tampon with a different concentration anode-cathode; the electrophoretic bands, obtained by cellulose acetate electrophoresis, are eluted in the same tampon, but it is suggested to use 15 cc of tampon for A fraction elution and 1.5 cc for A2 fraction elution. The lecture must be done by spectrophotometry to 415 nm. By using this method the normal values of Hb A2 ranges from 1.7% to 3.5% and so there isn't any confusion with pathologic values. The AA. compare this method with that recommend a densitometric lecture of the strips and with those that imply the adoption of cromathographic columns, and they underline its advantages. In conclusion, the AA. suggest the adoption of an unified method for microcytemic screening that could be used in all laboratories.


[The IgA myeloma, personal contribution and review of the literature (author's transl)]. After reporting the most important differences between the IgA and IgG myeloma and between the two varieties on the IgA myeloma, the A. relate one uncommon case of IgA myeloma, with an alpha2-electrophoretic migration, a considerable increase of the myelomatosis paraprotein and an increase of the seric viscosithy, without the hyperviscosity syndrome.


[Evaluation of globular osmotic resistance (GOR) and of the lysis test with glycerol (GLT/50) in the screening of heterozygous thalassemia]. A rapid and simple procedure measuring the rate of hemolysis of 50% of erytrocytes suspended in a standardized glycerol mixture (GLT/50) has been compared with the erytrocyte osmotic fragility to NaCl 0.375% concentration, carried out according to Parpat's method modified, in order to estimate the respective behaviour in the screening of beta-thalassemia trait. The GLT/50 is provided with more selectivity especially between beta-thalassemia trait carriers and other subjects with iron deficiency anemia.


[Australia antigen: biological and technical considerations (author's transl)]. The A. examines the constitution of Australia antigen by the point of view of the relevant groups, and exposes his own classification of these structures. After having dealed with some epidemiological data and with some diagnostic and physiopathologic aspects of the serum hepatitis, the A. describes the cautions that have been taken in IGEA Laboratory against the infection danger. The final part of this work is dedicated to a circumstantial report of Austria II radioimmunologic method with discussion and criticism about some technical data risen from a recent experiment carried out on about 3,000 serums. In particular, RIA method has been submitted to a series of quality controls to evaluate its sensitivity and specificity.


[Program for the production of mollusks in Venezuela]. This paper discusses an integrated project in Venezuela, planned and designed to ascertain the best procedures required for production of large quantities of shellfish, including: selection and maintenance of pollution-free growing areas; the best harvesting methods; and the safest and most economical marketing procedures. The major problems involved in producing safe, wholesome and nutritious shellfish are primarily those of sanitation and adequate preservation of the foods until they finally reach the consumer. Therefore, it is essential that these products be produced and handled in a sanitary manner on a continuous basis. There are numerous codes of recommended handling practices for shellfish, most developed only after many technical conferences were organized to evaluate all of the available scientific evidence. Therefore, for producing safe shellfish in Venezuela, this publication recommends the adoption of these sanitary and handling practices, designed and tested by the faculty and staff personnel of Universidad Simón Bolívar.