Abdominal aortic aneurysm in homocystinuria. The first reported case of abdominal aortic aneurysm complicating homocystinuria is presented. The clinical features and microscopic findings were identical to those of an atherosclerotic aneurysm. Homocystinuria may stimulate Marfan's syndrome but can be differentiated by the cyanide-nitroprusside screening test for homocystine in urine. Although homocystinuria is accompanied by an increased risk of thrombosis, surgical treatment of complicating diseases should not be avoided. Pyridoxine treatment is recommended.


Obstructive blood thrombus formation in the common bile duct probably due to a silk ligature. Report of a case. The case of a 59-year-old, jaundiced male is reported. Autopsy revealed an obstructing blood thrombus in the common bile duct. The thrombus was firmly attached to the duct wall. Microscopic remnants of thread material were found in the centre of the thrombus, but not elsewhere. Approximately 10 months prior to death an elective and uncomplicated cholecystectomy was performed, and the cystic duct was ligated with silk. The unabsorbable thread material is supposed to have migrated through the duct wall, resulting in secondary inflammatory reaction, bleeding and finally the formation of an intra-luminal thrombus. The clinical manifestations were largely in agreement with the patho-anatomical findings.


Mucocele of the appendix: an unusual finding at exploration for right-sided inguinal pain. A case of mucocele of the appendix, uncovered during an abdominal exploration on a tentative diagnosis of incipient inguinal hernia, is reported. The small mucocele is unlikely to have been responsible for the recorded symptoms and signs.


[Recovery of vitamin B12 absorption in the late postoperative period in rats subjected to resection of 50% of the distal small intestine]. Vitamin B12 Co57 intestinal absorption was evaluated in rats, determining the % whole body retention, 12 and 28 weeks after resection of 50% distal small intestine with preservation of ileocecal valve. At week 12th, a statistical significative difference in vitamin B12 absorption was found between rats submitted to surgery and the control group (p less than 0.01). On the other hand, at week 28th vitamin B12 absorption values were very close in both groups of rats. This last fact supports the evidence of recovery of vitamin B12 absorption in ilectomized rats.


[Bile lipid composition of cholecystectomized patients during fasting and in postprandial periods]. Fasting state, 1 and 3 hours postprandial biliary lipid periods are studied in 19 cholecystectomized gallstone patients. Methodological items togeher with the characteristics of the kind of diet: normocaloric; lipids, 15% (50% of which are obtained from animals); proteins, 25%; and carbohydrates, 60% are established. It is concluded that biliary lipids are not quantitatively modified in the subjects on established diet respect fasting, 1 and 3 hours postprandial periods, particularly pointing out that the biliary cholesterol saturation rate remains unchanged--supersaturated--for fasting state, as well as for postprandial periods. We believe that the lack of observable changes may be in relation with the characteristics of the employed diet, which is usually suggested to people suffering from cholecystopathies in Argentina.


[Relation between vasculitis and hepatitis HBsAg]. The authors present the development of a generalized necrotic vasculitis accompanied by positive Virus B Cronic Hepatitis. A 31 years old female, affected by a multisystemic disease with jaundice, dark urine, and light stools, with biologic values of necrosis of hepatic cells and positive dosages of HBsAg. The biopsy of muscle revealed the presence of an alergic vasculitis with leucocitoclasia and the biopsy of the liver showed and Active Cronic Hepatitis. References are made about the different pathogenical hypothesis of these unusual association.


[Treatment of advanced digestive cancer with fluorouracil and methyl-CCNU]. We relate the experience obtained by treatment of 20 advanced digestive cancer patients, with the association of 5 fluorouracil and methyl-C.C.N.U. Objective response was found in 4 patients (20%). Toxicity consisted of leucopenia in 3 patients, allergic phenomena in 2 and diarrhea in 1 patient. Mean survival is increased in 3 months in responders, when compared with non-responders, although this difference has not statistical value.


[Radiologic diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum]. This paper describes our experience with pre-surgical diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum. We used a naso-jejunal-ileal tube, through which, we injected small amounts of radio-opaque fluid and air, thus utilizing double contrast. In seven children diverticulum was shown to be present by radioscopic and radiographic techniques; this was later confirmed during laparotomy. X-ray findings were compared with Tc99 scanning results.


Substance P-like content in the hypothalamus of water-deprived rats. The content of substance P-like in the hypothalamus of control and dehydrated rats was determined by bioassay on isolated jejunum of rabbits. Depriving the rats of drinking water for twelve days caused statistically significant increase of the substance P-like in the hypothalamus. These results suggest that water deprivation increases the synthesis of substance P-like in the rat hypothalamus.


Audiogenic seizures in rats: relation to noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus. Bilateral lesions involving the nucleus locus coeruleus produced a substantial decrease in the forebrain noradrenaline concentrations. Lesioned animals showed an increased susceptibility to audiogenic seizures. It is supposed that noradrenergic neurons, belonging to the locus coeruleus, play an inhibitory role in the seizure mechanism.


Carbohydrate components of serum proteins in the rats with lesions of the septal forebrain area and in the rats subjected to stress. Bilateral electrolytic lesions of the septal forebrain area, surgical stress connected with production of sham lesions of the brain, or four-hour immobilization stress raised the level of neuraminic acid, aminosugars and the total content of carbohydrate components of glycoproteins in the rat serum. The observed effects were probably non-specific results of the pituitary-adrenal system activation developing independently of the causative factor in the observed experimental models. It is suggested by the fact that the effects obtained in the group of rats with lesions of the septal forebrain area did not differ from those observed of the sham lesioned animals.


Effect of exercise and adrenaline on glycogen metabolism in skeletal muscles of hypokinetic rats. Exercise and adrenaline-induced glycogen depletion in different types of skeletal muscle (white, red and intermediate) and the rate of post-exercise glycogen recovery in these muscles were studied in rats subjected to prolonged (28--30 days), severe hypokinesia. It was found that exercise--induced glycogen depletion in the muscles of the hypokinetic rats was similar to that in the normal rats. In the hypokinetic rats adrenaline (0.1 mg/kg) had no effect on the glycogen level in the white muscle and only mildly, though significantly, reduced glycogen level in the red and intermediate muscles. No glycogen repletion occurred in the examined muscles during the fist hour of the post-exercise recovery. In three hours of the recovery period there was pronounced glycogen repletion in the muscles but in each of them glycogen level remained significantly lower than the respective pre-exercise level.


Effect of catecholamines on enzyme release from human adipose tissue cells. Effect of adrenaline (A) and noradrenaline (NA) on the release of enzymes were studied in the isolated human adipocytes incubated in Krebs-Hanseleit buffer to which albumins saturated with fatty acids or albumins, from which fatty acids were partly removed, were added. In the incubation fluid the activity of lactic dehydrogenase, malic dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase or pyruvate kinase was determined. Besides that, the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline on the content of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the adipocytes and on the release of glycerol into the incubation fluid were studied. Both A and NA stimulated the release of all examined enzymes into the incubation medium. The amount of the released enzymes, determined on the basis of changes in their activity in the incubation medium, depended on the degree of albumin saturation with fatty acids. Increased release of enzymes into the incubation fluid was associated with a rise in the content of NEFA in the adipocytes. Gycerol release into the incubation medium was independent of the degree of albumin saturation with fatty acids.


Liver and muscle glycogen content after glucose infusion in dogs. The purpose of the present work was to determine the changes in the liver and muscle glycogen content during and after glucose infusion to elucidate tissue distribution of glucose in dogs. Glucose was infused intravenously during 2 hours in a dose of 1.7 mM . kg-1 . min-1. At designated time intervals venous blood samples were taken for determinations of glucose concentration, and the liver as well as muscle tissue samples were taken using a needle biopsy technique for determination of glycogen content. Liver glycogen content was increased significantly already at 30 th min of glucose infusion, and 60 min after termination of the infusion, it was by 53.1 +/- 0.58 and 174.3 +/- 48.3 mM glucosyl units per kg of wet liver higher than the initial value. Muscle glycogen content was also increasing progressively during the whole period of glucose infusion, and 1 h after termination of the infusion it was by 30.8 +/- 2.5 mM glucosyl units per kg of wet muscle above the initial value. It was calculated that 24.7 per cent of the glucose infused to dogs was stored as liver glycogen and 63.4 per cent as muscle glycogen.


Glycogenolytic effect of adrenaline in skeletal muscle of rats adapted to endurance exercise. Rats were adapted to endurance exercise (swimming) for six weeks. During the training program each rat swum totally for 108 hours. It was found that the training applied reduced markedly glycogenolytic effect of adrenaline (0.1 mg/kg) in each of the examined type of muscle (the white, red and intermediate ones). The reduction of the glycogenolytic effect of adrenaline in the trained rats was less pronounced in the intermediate muscle than in the other two muscles. The hyperglycemic effect of adrenaline was also reduced in the trained group. It is concluded that the decreased reactivity of glycogenolytic system in skeletal muscles to adrenaline could be partly responsible for the slower rate of the intramuscular glycogen mobilization during exercise in the trained individuals.


Copper metabolism in different states of erythropoiesis activity. The interrelationship between erythropoiesis activity and the dynamic of copper metabolism in normal rats and the rats with experimentally induced anemia and polycythemia was studied, using 64Cu injected intravenously in the form of CuCl2. The studies demonstrated that the copper metabolism is different in erythropoiesis stimulation and inhibition. Significant changes in the plasma ceruloplasmin level and the plasma copper content as well as in the plasma copper clearance and blood copper turnover were observed.


The effect of glucagon on myoinositol levels in the blood serum and its excretion with urine. The investigations were carried out with a group of ten healthy men aged 20--26 years who were injected intravenously with glucagon in a single dose of 50 microgram per kg of body weight. Glucagon had no effect on myoinositol levels in the blood serum. It caused however, a significant decrease in the myoinositol discharge into urine and lowered the index of renal myoinositol clearance. The creatinine clearance index remained unchanged.


Release of prostaglandin--like substances into cerebral venous blood in conditions injurious to brain in the dog. Hypo- and hypercapnia produced in dogs had no effect on the level of endogenous prostaglandin-like substances (PLS) bioassayed continuously in sagittal sinus blood. Increased release of endogenous PLS, predominantly of prostaglandin E-like substance into cerebral venous blood occurred in conditions injurious to brain, such as hypoxia cerebral ischemia and embolism. It may be concluded that increased output of PLS into cerebral venous blood is not related to functional changes in cerebral blood flow, but results from cerebral and/or cerebrovascular damage. Enchanced generation of endogenous prostaglandins and their release into cerebral venous blood preceed the development of structural alterations evoked by hypoxia and ischemia in brain.


Influence of intraperitoneal administration of calcium on body temperature and resistance to thermal stress in rats. Intraperitoneal administration of calcium excess (11.26--21.18 mmol/kg of body weight) in rats at room temperature caused a distinct, significant decrease in body temperature (p less than 0.001). H ypothermic animals obtained in this way demonstrated, however, a significant decrease in resistance to quick heating as compared to controls. It was manifested by lower (by approx. 1.4 degrees C) lethal temperature (p less than 0.001), shorter (by approx. 8 min 12 sec) survival time (p less than 0.02) and higher rate of body temperature increase (by approx. 0.05 degrees C/min, p less than 0.001) in comparison with control rats.


The reversal of the oxygen difference between arterial blood and cerebrospinal fluid in chronic, exacerbated respiratory insufficiency. The relationship between PaO2 and PCSFO2 (along with other acid-base parameters) was studied in patients with long-lasting respiratory failure. These patients exhibited a highly significant reversal of the normal relationship, i.e. their PCSF O2 was invariably higher, than PaO2. It is suggested that this reflects a mechanism protecting the brain against hypoxia.


Effects of clonidine and apomorphine on motor and exploratory activity in mice with frontal lobe lesions. The reported investigations were carried out on male Porton white mice, which had bilateral lesions of the cortex of frontal lobes made one month before the experiment. In mice with these lesions the excitatory effect of apomorphine (2 mg/kg) and clonidine (0.1 microgram/kg) was abolished, similarly as the inhibitory effect of clonidine (1 mg/kg) on the motor activity. The data indicate that noadrenergic neurons in the frontal lobes participate in the regulation of the motor and exploratory activity in mice.


Effect of sweeteners on energy uptake and its utilization by rats. The effect administration of saccharose, glucose and glycine in solutions of equivalent relative sweetness on the uptake and utilization of energy and on blood glucose level was studied in growing female Wistar rats. It was shown that the amount of saccharose and the remaining sweeteners added to drinks has an effect on the regulation of energy uptake from the food and on metabolic processes connected with the energy utilization.


Inhibitory effect of hydrocortisone on the release of prostaglandins from dog's brain in hypoxia and cerebral embolism. Cerebral hypoxia and embolism evoke the release of prostaglandin (PG)-like substances, predominantly of E type, into cerebral venous blood. This has been shown by bioassay used for monitoring the level of PG-like substances in sagittal sinus blood (ssb) in dogs. Hypoxia was induced by inhalation of 8% O2 in N2, embolism by an injection of air into internal carotid artery. This led to an increase in the level of PG-like substances in ssb, with no detectable change in the concentration of PGs in peripheral venous blood, indicating that PGs detected in ssb originate from cerebral venous outflow. The output amounted 6 ng/ml (in PGE2 equivalents). Hydrocortisone (HC) in a dose of 30 mg/kg suppressed the release of PG-like substances induced by either hypoxia or embolism. These results were confirmed by radioimmunoassay of PGs in ssb. Plasma levels of PGs E and F2 alpha were elevated following cerebral embolism as compared to initial values and greatly suppressed by HC administration. Suppression of PG formation by HC in this experimental system seems to be related to the membrane--stabilizing action of this hormone. This is of interest in view of the usefulness of steroid therapy in cerebrovascular pathology.


Normal values of glycogen content in the dog skeletal muscle and liver. Glycogen content was measured in the dog quadriceps femoris muscle and liver tissue under resting conditions after 24 h fasting period, using small tissue samples taken by a needle biopsy technique. The glycogen content in the quadriceps femoris ranged from 35.3 to 60.2 mM glucosyl units per kg of wet muscle with a mean of 50.0 +/- (SE) 1.2. The mean value of the liver glycogen content was 235.0 +/- 19.4 mM glucosyl units per kg of wet liver tissue with the average 121.1--316.1 mM glucosyl units per kg of wet tissue. It was calculated that approximately 127 mM glucosyl units of the glycogen is stored in the dog liver.


Glycogen resynthesis in the rat muscle and liver after physical exercise. Glycogen resynthesis was studied in muscles and liver of Wistar rats after a single bout of physical exercise, which included 30 min of enforced swimming in water at 32 degrees C. The experiment was carried out on untrained rats which rested after the exercise from 30 min to 24 h, receiving food ad libitum. During the postexercise restitution a rise was observed in the glycogen content of both tissues. This rise was more rapid in the muscles than in the liver. During the first 9 hours of rest the muscle glycogen content reached 92.6% of the initial value, and after 24 hours it exceeded this value by 20%. On the other hand, the resynthesis of hepatic glycogen was 67% of the initial value after 9 hours, and after 24 hours the liver glycogen content reached only 76.5% of this value. It has been pointed out also that the restitution of glycogen in the muscles occurs in two steps of the intensive increase, while in the liver it is more steady.


Effect of lesions of the ventral noradrenergic bundle on the two-way avoidance behavior in rats. Bilateral electrolytic lesions of the ventral noradrenergic bundle (VB) were performed in Wistar male rats. Seven to eight days after the surgery animals were trained for two-way avoidance behavior (10 days, 15 trials per day). Lesions of the VB facilitated avoidance acquisition and slightly increased intertial responses. The latency of avoidance reaction as well as latency of escape was unchanged in VB-lesioned animals. The possible role of VB in mechanism of learning is discussed. It is pointed out that VB may play an opposite role to the dorsal noradrenergic bundle which is known to facilitate learning.


The effects of LSD and propranolol on the motor activity in rabbits. In the investigations on the effects of LSD and propranolol on the rabbit motor activity an original device counting and recording all movements of the animals was used. LSD, administered to rabbits in a dose of 0.1 mg/kg i.v., changed the behavior of the animals, increasing their motor activity. Propranolol prevented alterations in the behavior of rabbits and the LSD-induced increase in their motor activity.


The effect of first visual stimulation on incorporation of labelled leucine into cerebral cortex of binocularly deprived kittens. One-month old kittens, binocularly deprived with hoods from birth, were used. Before the experiments in which visual stimulation was applied the brainstem of kittens was transected at the pretrigeminal level. Cortical EEG activity and ocular behavior indicated that the isolated cerebrum of preparations was usually awake during experiment. Patterned visual stimulation was directed to one hemisphere, while the other was used as a control. Visual stimulation evoked in some cases (in 8 out of 17) an increase of incorporation of labeled leucine into the proteins of the striate cortex. Electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel did not reveal any differences in the pattern of insoluble proteins between the stimulated and control visual cortex. It is suggested that first visual stimulation may enhance the protein metabolism of striate cortex in young kittens. Some unknown up to now physiological factors (motivation, attention?) may be critical for these phenomena.


Facilitatory and inhibitory effects of strong electrical hippocampal stimulation on performance of two-way avoidance response in cats. The influence of a strong, seizure inducing electrical stimulation of the hippocampus on the performance of the active avoidance responses in a shuttle-box was studied. The stimulation (a 10 s train of rectangular, negative pulses, 50/s 200 microamperes) was applied at different stages of training 2 min before experimental sessions. The stimulation evoked a facilitatory or inhibitory effect on the avoidance performance. The kind of effect depended on the level of stabilization of the avoidance response. At an early stage of training facilitatory effect dominated, an inhibitory effect prevailed after stabilization of the avoidance response. Intraperitoneal administration of atropine sulphate decreased the inhibitory effect of stimulation. The results confirm the supposition that hippocampal stimulation influences the performance of conditioned active avoidance responses in a similar way as electroconvulsive shock does.


The effects of exposure time and retention interval on response to environmental change in rats. Responses to change of visual stimuli in the environment were studied under 6 different exposure times and 3 different retention intervals in 18 groups. An increase in exposures from 1 to 3 and 5 min had a positive effect on the response-to-change frequency. The level observed after 5 min exposure did not alter significantly when exposures of 10 min and 15 min were applied, while a further increase in exposure time to 20 min reduced the number of responses to change. Elongation of retention intervals from 1 to 3 and 5 min decreased the response-to-change frequency after each exposure. In the case of optimal exposures (5-15 min) the decrease was from 80 percent to approximately 60 percent.


Specific visual disability in relation to ontogeny of brain asymmetry. Children with retarded development of visual perception were compared with previously tested normal children Verbal and non-verbal patterns were presented either to the left or to the right hemisphere. In both groups of children the results showed a functional equality of the hemispheres during analysis of the non-verbal patterns. Left hemisphere superiority for verbal material in Normal group was not confirmed by the results in Retarded children. The data are discussed in terms of the relation between the ontogeny of brain asymmetry and specific visual disability in children.


Some questions related to mechanisms of slave-raids in Amazon-ant Polyergus rufescens Latr. A new hypothesis concerning the mechanism of the P. rufescens' slave-raids, is proposed. (i) The so-called pseudo-scouting does not contribute to the slave-raids. (ii) The direction of the raid is determined by the random movement of the most easily aroused individuals - the so-called activists. (iii) Once the direction has been set the army marches straight ahead and returns by the same road orienting itself by visual stimuli; single individuals who lag behind can however follow the scent-trial which had been left by the army. (iv) The slave-capturing instinct of the amazons is not directed at the abduction of pupae alone but also and even perhaps primarily at the abduction of mature individuals belonging to the slave-species; that the amazons bring almost only pupae is caused by the fact that the mature individuals offer resistance and are consequently a more troublesome prey.


Origin and proliferation of astroglia in the immature rat cerebellar cortex. A double label autoradiographic study. The proliferating astroglia cells of the cerebellar internal granular layer (IGL) were studied by a 3H--14C double label autoradiographic technique in 1 mu thick sections of the resin embedded cerebellum of 6-7 day old rats. It was concluded that the proliferating cells undergo repeated mitotic cycles inside the IGL. Thus claims of their acquisition from the external granular layer could be disproved. Calculated from the ratio of 3H- and 3H + 14C-labelled cells, the length of the S phase was 6 hours.


Scanning electron microscopic observation of intimal surface of normal and atherosclerotic arteries. A scanning electron microscopic study was made of the intimal surfaces of human normal and atherosclerotic thoracic aorta and rabbit normal thoracic aorta, and the thoracic aorta of rabbits with cholesterol atherosclerosis with consequential calciphylaxis. In normal human and rabbit arteries the intimal surface is smooth, the endothelial cells are clustered into regular mounds. In arteries affected by atherosclerosis at some sites the regular linear arrangement of endothelial cells disappears and the intimal surface is characterized by irregular protrusions of formations in the shape of scales or plates.


Effect of glutaurine on vitamin A and prednisolone treated thymus cultures. The hormone of the parathyroid gland, Glutaurine (gamma-L-glutamyl-taurine) exerts on rat thymus cultures an effect synergistic with vitamin A and antagonistic to prednisolone. When applied in itself, it increased the vitality and macrophage reaction of thymus cultures.


Effect of glutaurine, a newly discovered parathyroid hormone on rat thymus cultures. Under the effect of the recently discovered parathyroid hormone, gamma-L-glutamyl-taurine (Glutaurine) growth of thymus cultures increased in all tested age groups. Epithelial growth was prominent and signs of activation of the macrophage cells appeared. In cell cultures the nuclei and nucleoli increased in size.


The effect of thyroid hormone on the formation of rat cerebellar Bergmann-glia. H3-thymidine incorporating cells were demonstrated by autoradiography in the developing cortex. Before the 7-8th days labelled cells were distributed throughout the full width of the internal granular layer. Between days 8 to 14 they were found exclusively in the ganglionic layer and were identified as Bergmann-glia. Thyroid hormone treatment brought about an earlier shift of the label to the ganglionic layer indicating an acceleration of Bergmann-glia formation. Since the acceleration coincided with the known accelerating effect of thyroid hormone on granule cell migration, a causal relationship is assumed between Bergmann-glia formation and granula cell migration.


Semi-depot hyposensitization in severe hay fever: its clinical effectiveness and the therapeutic problems. (A four year study using intranasal challenge testing to monitor success). Hyposensitization treatment for at least two years using pyridine-extracted alum precipitated (PEAP) extracts was carried out on 332 cases of severe hay fever, some of which were steroid dependent. Subjective self-assessment and weekly average use of additional medication were recorded, nasal challenge tests were conducted before and during treatment and related to the clinical picture. Successful treatment was unrelated to age, though distinctly limited where there was a history of more 15 years illness. It was however related to the pollen count from 1973 to 1976 and to the type and number of the antigens to which there was a clinical response. In spite of specific hyposensitization 4,2% of the pollinosis cases developed additional pollen asthma. In the course of treatment there were several instances of an enlargement of the individual antigen spectrum; sensitization to pollen, mould fungi, house dust and animal epithelia were recorded. In a total of 11,850 injections there were severe local reactions in 16,2% rhinoconjunctivitis in 1,6% asthma in 0,4% and urticaria in 0,4%. One female patient went into anaphylactic shock 12 hours after the administration of the antigen extract. In about 20% of the injections granulomas developed, about the size of a cherry-stone, which persisted for up to six months and which in some instances were reactivated by severe exposure to allergens. There was an unusually high percentage of organ and generalised reactions whenever the treatment was continued using a new antigen solution without reducing the dose.


A profile of family therapies in the drug-abuse field. This paper presents a profile of 1,117 family therapists who are providing treatment to families of recovering drug abusers. The data was part of a national survey of the current status of family therapy in the drug-abuse field. The results reveal extensive information about the education, training, personal background, caseload characteristics, and theoretical orientations of these individuals.


Differential response of heroin and nonheroin abusers to inpatient treatment. Differences between heroin and nonheroin users were determined at intake and discharge from an inpatient rehabilitation program. Background data as well as attitudes toward drug-related concepts, mood, and symptoms were gathered from 65 male veterans. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and covariance comparing heroin and nonheroin users at intake and discharge. There were no significant differences between these two groups on their prescores, indicating that heroin and nonheroin patients were quite similar at time of intake. However, at discharge significant differences were found in terms of Tense and Thoughtful from the Mood Scale and Somatization, Obsessive/Compulsiveness, Interpersonal Sensitivity, Depression, and Anxiety from the Symptom Checklist. The heroin subjects had consistently more positive rating than the nonheroin subjects following treatment.


Quantitative and temporal relationships of alcohol use in narcotic addicts and methadone maintenance patients undergoing alcohol detoxification. Evidence exists that alcohol abuse frequently coexists with narcotic addiction and methadone maintenance treatment, and it is the major factor in the development of cirrhosis and liver failure. This study of patients hospitalized for alcohol detoxification compares the quantity of alcohol consumed by alcohol abusers, addicted to narcotics or in a methadone maintenance treatment program, to that consumed by patients not involved with narcotic addiction. Mean daily alcohol consumption was not significantly different in either group using narcotics, including methadone, or in the subgroup of methadone maintenance patients, from the amount consumed by nonnarcotic abusers. Determination of temporal sequence in the use of these substances revealed that in 68% regular alcohol abuse preceded narcotic use. Alcohol abuse reportedly began after entering a methadone maintenance treatment program in 29% of our patients. Alcohol abusers who were in a methadone maintenance treatment program were significantly younger than those who did not use narcotics, including methadone. Time interval according to the patients' estimates, from onset of regular alcohol consumption to heavy drinking, was not significantly different in the two groups.


Alcoholic mortality: a 12-year follow-up. This is a study of alcoholic mortality in which time, cause, and age at death were variables of critical interest. Five cohorts of 100 members each were followed 12, 11, 9, 6, and 4 years. A total of 133 cases were located as deceased. The overall case fatality rate (CFR) was .0371. Higher CFR's were observed in years 1 to 6. Cardiovascular disease, violence (homicide, suicide, accidental), cirrhosis, carcionomas, and acute intoxication were the leading causes of death. Violent deaths were more prevalent in younger admission age groups. The cardiovascular/other ratio increased in older admission age groups.


The Alcadd test: an extension of norms.

The Alcadd test: an extension of norms. The construction and research application of the Alcadd are reviewed. Interscale relationships and age and education effects in a large alcoholic inpatient population are examined.


Naltrexone and conventionality.

Naltrexone and conventionality. This study examines the effect of conventionality on whether patients who were scheduled for naltrexone took it, and on treatment outcomes for patients who did take it. It is based on admission and case record data for 147 male opiate addicts who enrolled in New York Medical College's Multitrack Abstinence Program. Naltrexone-taking is examined against an array of "drug" and "social" variables and is found to be strongly related to four in particular: amount spent daily on heroin, number of arrests, type of residence, and employment. These variables are combined into an index which measures a patient's degree of conventionality. It is found that naltrexone-taking varies directly with degree of conventionality. Furthermore, it is found that, among patients who took naltrexone, those who gained in conventionality while in treatment were more likely than others to leave the program opiate-free after terminating naltrexone therapy.


Controlled clinical study of naltrexone side effects comparing first-day doses and maintenance regimens. In a controlled double-blind clinical study, 42 patients reported side effects and severity of side effects to naltrexone on three different first-day doses and maintenance dosage regimens. Initiating doses of 25, 100, and 150 mg were administered. The maintenance regimens involved 350 mg of naltrexone per week for 4 weeks with drug administration in Group A, five times weekly; in Group B, three times weekly; and in Group C, twice weekly. All three groups received identical doses for the last dosage administered each week. The first-day doses produced no significant quantitative difference in side effects. Overall, the three groups reported little difference in side effects. Nonetheless, the regimen with the least number of patients reporting side effects daily was that of Group B. In no case, regardless of dose or dosage regimen, did any patient have side effects of such a nature as to require termination of their participation in the study.


Is the trimodality of Hb Leslie (alpha 2 beta 2 131 Gln---O) in heterozygotes the result of a variable number of active alpha-chain genes? Evidence for posttranslational control of hemoglobin synthesis. Whether the trimodality in the relative concentration of the hemoglobin variant Hb Leslie in heterozygotes (Huisman, Hemoglobin 1:349-382, 1977) is due to a polymorphism of the alpha-chain structural genes was investigated by conventional incubation of reticulocytes with 14C-leucine. In addition, an aliquot from each of the incubations was incubated under the same conditions but without isotope. Three Hb Leslie heterozygotes with presumably four, three (heterozygous alpha-thalassemia-2), and two (homozygous alpha-thalassemia-2) active alpha-chain genes and with 33%, 22% and 11% Hb Leslie respectively, and one patient with the Hb Leslie beta(0)-thalassemia condition with more than 85% Hb Leslie were studied. The data indicate that betaLeslie chains have a lower affinity for alpha chains that betaA chains. A concomitant alpha-chain deficiency results in a reduced incorporation of betaLeslie chains into the tetrameric Hb Leslie molecules, while the quantity of Hb Leslie produced correlates with the degree of alpha-chain deficiency. Excess of betaLeslie chains is preferentially degraded.


A new mutant erythrocyte glucosephosphate isomerase (GPI) associated with GSH abnormality. A case of congenital nonspherocytic haemolytic anaemia associated with a new abnormal glucosephosphate isomerase (GPI), GSH (reduced glutathione) deficiency, and instability and altered carbohydrate membrane composition is reported. The only functional abnormality of the mutant enzyme seems to be a marked instability to heat, urea, and guanidine-HCl. Family studies suggest that the propositus is doubly heterozygous for a maternal gene producing an inactive enzyme and a paternal gene responsible for a structural alteration causing marked lability of the coded enzyme. Experiments of incubation of normal GPI and the propositus's GPI with oxidizing and reducing agents seem to indicate that the abnormality resides in the SH groups of the mutant GPI.


Deoxyuridine suppression studies in bone marrow in primary refractory sideroblastic anemia. Because unexplained megaloblastic erythroid maturation occurs in patients with primary refractory sideroblastic anemia (PRSA), deoxyuridine (dU) suppression tests using 125I-UdR were performed on bone marrow from five patients with PRSA. All patients had megaloblastic alterations in the marrow erythroid precursors (with normal serum folate and B12 levels) and numerous ringed sideroblasts, and most had marrow iron overload. Results of the dU suppression tests were normal in all five, both with and without incubation with pharmacologic amounts of folate, B12, and pyridoxal phosphate with or without 1-serine. Despite occasional hematologic improvement subsequent to folate, pyridoxine, or pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) administration in some patients with PRSA, normal dU suppression implies that in our group the availability of B12 and folate (and possibly PLP) was not limiting in the utilization of folate for DNA-thymine synthesis. The marrow erythroid maturation defect remains unexplained.


Coulter S hematocrit and microhematocrit in polycythemic patients. Falsely high microhematocrits are found when compared to Coulter S hematocrit levels. This increase is exaggerated when hematocrit levels are increased and the cells are hypochromic and microcytic. Polycythemic patients monitored with microhematocrits may be phlebotomized incorrectly because of this abnormality. We suggest the use of Coulter S hematocrits or spectrophotometric hemoglobin levels to monitor polycythemic patients.


Myelofibrosis with complex chromosome abnormality in a patient with erythrocytosis due to hemoglobin Rainier and treated with 32P. A patient with familial erythrocytosis associated with Hemoglobin Rainier, and previously treated with 32P, developed myelofibrosis with a hyperdiploid chromosome clone in the myeloid cells (51,XX,+1,2q-(q33),+6,+9,+11,-19,+20q+,+mar 1.) This transformation from a benign disorder of differentiated erythrocytes to a malignant disorder may have been secondary to radiophosphorus therapy.


Hodgkin disease and red cell aplasia.

Hodgkin disease and red cell aplasia. A teenage boy with mixed-cellularity Hodgkin disease presented with severe anemia secondary to pure red cell aplasia of marrow without evidence of lymphomatous infiltration or hemolysis. In vitro studies of the patient's serum demonstrated an inhibitor of erythropoietin activity which appeared to be an IgG but which did not directly bind erythropoietin. The patient's anemia resolved and the inhibitor disappeared following chemotherapy for Hodgkin disease. Presumably, the inhibitor was directed at a very early stage of red blood cell production. This phenomenon may be related to other autoimmune manifestations occasionally seen in patients with lymphomas. The case is presented to bring attention to the unusual occurrence of red cell aplasia in Hodgkin disease. Several hypotheses concerning significance and etiology of the anemia are detailed.


Major loci for lipoprotein concentrations. In more than 500 families of Japanese ancestry, selected in part through fathers with hyperlipemia or coronary heart disease, a major locus for hyper-beta-cholesterolemia (hyperlipoproteinemia type IIa) is highly significant (chi22 = 24.02), with an allele frequency .002 in the general population. This gene is revealed with about the same power by fasting levels of LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol and total cholesterol. However, VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) cholesterol, HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and triglyceride give no convincing evidence for a major locus in this population, nor was a gene for combined hyperlipoproteinemia detected.


DNA repair in Cockayne syndrome.

DNA repair in Cockayne syndrome. Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a rare recessive genetic disease characterized in part by premature ageing and photosensitive skin. Because of the latter characteristic, this syndrome was considered to be an example of a UV-sensitive DNA repair-defective human disorder. We demonstrated normal levels of UV-induced unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) in four unrelated CS patients that show hypersensitivity to both UV and Mitomycin C (MMC). At low UV exposure, CS DNA shows a dose-dependent decrease in size. By contrast, heterozygotes appear to have a threshold below which there is little change in size of single strand DNA. Immediately following UV or MMC treatment, CS DNA is deficient in high molecular weight species, but undergoes a normal transition to larger DNA during a chase interval in the presence or absence of caffeine. This suggests a defect in replication or excision repair and no defect in post-replication repair (PRR). Pulse studies performed in the presence of hydroxyurea (HU) also reveal a deficient production of large DNA, suggesting the defect is in repair. As these cells have normal UDS and normal PRR, the basis for their UV sensitivity must be distinct from that observed in xeroderma pigmentosum (XP).


Characterization of unusual hexosaminidase A (HEX A) deficient human mutants. Two families with unusual hexosaminidase A (HEX A) mutations are described. In one, the proband had the Tay-Sachs disease phenotype with considerable HEX A activity. In the second, the proband was phenotypically normal with absent HEX A activity. Activities using ganglioside GM2 as substrate demonstrate markedly reduced activities in the first case and half-normal activities in the second. Pedigree analyses indicate the presence of two different mutations. In the first, the proband appears to be an allelic compound HEX A 2-4 where mutation HEX A 4 leads to a diminution of HEX A activity against GM2 but not for the synthetic substrate, 4MU-beta-D-N-acetyl-glucosaminide, with HEX A 2 being the Tay-Sachs disease (or similar) mutation. In the second family, the proband is an allelic compound HEX A 2-5 where mutation HEX A 5 leads to a diminution of HEX A activity against the synthetic substrate, 4MU-beta-D-N-acetyl-glucosaminide, but not for GM2. The presence of either mutation will lead to false-negative (HEX A 4) or false-positive (HEX A 5) assignments of heterozygosity or homozygosity for GM2 gangliosidosis when synthetic substrates are employed. In both families, DM2 N-acetyl-beta-D-galactosaminidase activity in fibroblasts was an accurate determinant of phenotype.


Multifactorial inheritance with cultural transmission and assortative mating. I. Description and basic properties of the unitary models. A general linear model of familial resemblance is described which allows for cultural transmission from parent to offspring, polygenic inheritance, phenotypic assortative mating, common environment, maternal and paternal effects, and threshold effects. Three special cases are described in detail which are particularly useful when data are only available about a few classes of relatives reared in intact families. The cultural model, the polygenic model, and the pseudopolygenic model share the common feature that all factors which are transmitted from parent to offspring may be represented by one parameter without any loss of information. We introduce a new model, termed the unitary model, which includes these models and is appropriate when combined genetic and cultural transmission is present and when data are available only for individuals reared in intact nuclear families. The basic properties of these models are explored using path analysis and computer simulation, including description of the relationship between parameters under random and assortative mating, rate of approach to equilibrium, and constraints on the magnitude of the parameters. General formulae for familial resemblance in extended pedigrees are given for any ancestor or descendant of either vertical or collateral relatives. Estimation procedures are described and a FORTRAN program TAU, available upon request, is used to provide maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters from reported correlations. A powerful test for detecting the presence of cultural transmission is suggested and applied to simulated data and to data sets reported by others for human stature, for which cultural transmission is suggested. In addition, it is shown that there is no need to postulate dominance to account for available data about height.


Evaluation of the relation between myopia and dental caries. To evaluate more carefully the previously reported relation between myopia and dental caries, the refractive status and dental-caries experience of 196 high school students were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done by chi-square and computer-based multiple regression analysis. No statistically significant relation between the two conditions was found.


Association of symptoms with measures of oculomotor deficiencies. Phoria, vergence, and fixation-disparity were measured at near working distances for a nonclinical sample of 3rd-yr optometry students. A questionnaire divided the sample into 33 symptomatic and 44 asymptomatic subjects. Discriminant analysis was used to determine which clinical measures best predicted the group to which each subject belonged. Sheard's criterion was a good discriminator for exo deviations, and a variant of Percival's criterion was good for eso deviations. Fixation-disparity variables proved to be valuable diagnostically. The best fixation-disparity measures were the curve slope, curve type, and amount of fixation disparity.


Accuracy of manufacturers' stated center thickness of hydrogel contact lenses. The center thicknesses of 184 hydrogel lenses--Naturvue, Hydrocurve (thin hefilcon A), Soflens, Aquaflex, and AOsoft--were measured using the Radiuscope in combination with the hydrogel lens platform. The measured center thickness of each lens was compared with the manufacturer's stated center thickness for a lens of the same parameters. In all cases, the mean difference between the measured center thickness and stated center thickness exceeded 0.01 mm, which, based on previous study, was the expected variation in the technique. The mean difference between the measured center thickness and stated center thickness of the various manufactures' lenses ranged from 0.012--0.030 mm.


Recent developments in investigations of visual fields. Methods are presented for screening and measuring central and peripheral visual fields as part of a vision examination. The paper describes static quantitative perimetry for single and multiple targets, the Visual Field Analyser, and kinetic and combined static and kinetic perimetry.


Evaluation of ophthalmic materials.

Evaluation of ophthalmic materials. Ophthalmic materials from 11,677 spectacle-prescription orders were evaluated during an 18-mo period in a university optometry clinic. Five percent of the orders received were not acceptable based on criteria stemming from the ANSI-Z80. 1-1972 standards. Almost two-thirds of these rejections were lens related. Frame-related rejections were predominantly due to gross human error. Rejection rate and delivery time varied widely among the supplying laboratories. Rejection rate did not decrease with increased delivery time. Since notifying the laboratories of our results, the percentage of unacceptable orders has decreased.


Congenital malformations of the optic-nerve head. Normal anatomical variations of the eye are a constant source of interest to the clinician. This is particularly true for the optic-nerve head, where neural, vascular, and supportive tissue converge, each with its own variations. Such diverse anomalies as cleft palate, reduced visual acuity, visual-field loss, and distortions of the optic-nerve head may all be related to a single factor affecting embryonic or later development. This paper presents a number of nerve-head malformations in the context of their embryonic development, clinical appearance, and implications for visual function.


An improved electrode for electroretinography: design and standardization. An electrode for electroretinography was developed that fits over the patient's lower lid. The electrode incorporates a platinum strip embedded in a piece of shaped plexiglass. The electrode was standardized for clinical use by comparing ERG recordings from this platinum lid electrode with those recorded from a Burian-Allen electrode. The a- and b-wave implicit times and amplitudes were measured in four subjects, using both electrodes under varying luminance conditions, to provide a measure of the validity of the platinum lid electrode. The same experimental procedure was repeated five times on two individuals to provide a measure of the reliability of both electrodes. Results indicate amplitudes approximately 65% of those recorded with a Burian-Allen electrode but which are otherwise in good agreement.


Automated perimetry.

Automated perimetry. The history, theory, and practical application of automated perimetry are discussed. Optometrists are urged to consider increasing the efficiency of their examination procedures by using automated field testing--in particular, automated perimetry.


Anterior-chamber damage as a result of mild ocular trauma. Relatively mild ocular trauma may cause lesions within the anterior chamber which are easily overlooked. The frequent onset of secondary glaucoma after such injuries emphasizes the importance of carefully evaluating the anterior chamber for the presence of hyphema, iridodialysis, and anterior-chamber recession. A case is reported in which relatively mild trauma caused iridodialysis, anterior-chamber recession, and tearing of the iris stroma and pupillary margin.


Reading with a 10X telescope.

Reading with a 10X telescope. A 10-yr-old partially sighted, one-eyed patient with 10/200 distance acuity and no experience in using an optical aid was able to read successfully by using a 10 x Selsi telescope with a + 3.50 D reading cap, an easel to hold in material upright and free his hands to hold the telescope and write, and a high-intensity desk lamp to provide adequate retinal illiumination through a congenital cataract.


Psychogenic visual disorders in an abused child: a case report. A 17-yr-old female, classified as retarded educable, was found to have uncorrected visual acuity of 20/800 in both eyes, unimproved by a pinhole disc. A low myopic correction determined objectively did not improve her visual acuity. Tangent-screen studies uncovered neurasthenic spiral fields superimposed on hysterical tubular contractions of both eyes. Investigation uncovered a history of child abuse since infancy. To rule out organic lesions of the oculocalcarine visual pathways, the patient was referred for electrodiagnostic evaluation. Her visual evoked responses were found to be normal. With the use of strong suggestion, her visual fields were brought out to normal limits and her visual acuity with correction was improved to 20/20 in each eye. With the cooperation of her school counselor, the patient was referred for psychiatric evaluation and therapy.


The throat musculature of Sphenodon, with comments on the primitive character states of the throat muscles in lizards. The throat musculature of Sphenodon is described and figured, and compared with that of lizards. In many features of its throat musculature, Sphenodon may well represent a primitive lepidosaurian pattern, comparable to some extent to the chelonian structure of throat musculature. To infer primitive character states within extant lizards, one cannot simply extrapolate from the condition observed in Sphenodon. In fact, it must be assumed that a rapid change of many features of the throat muscles occurred during the early evolution of lizards in order to provide the basis for further differentiation with extant lacertilian infraorders.


Gross morphology of the alimentary canal in 10 teleostean species. The gross morphology of 10 teleostean alimentary canals was compared. Each short, tubular esophagus was connected either to a stomach or, in the agastric species, to a proximal intestinal swelling. 3 stomach types were differentiated according to their shapes, which appeared to be correlated somewhat with diet. Intestines showed variations in amount of coiling and in numbers of pyloric ceca. Ratios of gut lengths to body lengths (RGL, relative gut length) were calculated and the results of previous studies were confirmed in that the RGL of a planktivore was small, while that of an organic detritus feeder was large, and that of a carnivore fell in between.


Effects of desoxycorticosterone acetate on renal structure in the mouse and in the European Eel. The administration of desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) induces morphological changes in the kidney of mice and eels. Such changes mainly concern the cells of the distal tubules and collecting tubules. These changes are consistent with the hypothesis that the hormone would exert a different action in Mammals and in Teleosts.


Morphometrical study of gross lung vessels. The lung trunk, right and left arteries and 4 pulmonary veins were measured on unfixed lung specimens of human adults. Outer and inner radii, thickness of the walls and cross sectional area (CSA) of arterial vessels increase with age. A linear equation was obtained for each value. The age related force influencing factor on parameters of vessels was calculated using analysis of variance. The relation of radii and CSA of the lung trunk and 2 lung arteries was studied and the analysis of this relation was made on the base of optimality principles. The sizes of lung veins, differing from those of arteries, remain constant until old age, but relation between their CSA changes. As a result, in older groups relative narrowings of canals of blood output from lungs can occur. This may play a certain role in genesis of lung circulation disturbances.


The structure of motor end-plates in the rabbit's diaphragm. The musculature of the diaphragm is parallely arranged and is innervated by single segmental nerves. The pattern of distribution of the phrenic nerve is specific, with the zone of branching being restricted. Teloglia, the arborization and fundamental nuclei accompany the terminal branches, and the territory of the motor unit are definable and may be used to sample the whole fiber group. The structure of motor end-plates show only slight variances from those in other muscles.


Ultrastructure of the collagen fibril. II. Evidence of the spiral organization of the fibril. Unfixed tissue from the human ovary, the tail tendon and skin from the tail of rats are incubated in 5% solutions of uranyl acetate. The collagen fibrils of all tissues are decomposed and display an obvious tridimensional spiral structure on all levels. The fibril is a complex biopolymer constructed out of filaments, surrounded by and associated with an amorphous cementing matrix. The filaments consist of 3 to 5 subfilaments with a thickness of 30--45 A spirally wound around one another. The filaments are twisted along the length of the axis of the fibril under a definite angle of inclination and a pitch of the spiral equal to 1.04--1.12 micrometer for the ovary and from 2.6 to over 5.6 micrometer for the tail tendon. The cross striations seem to spring out of the nodular thickenings along the filaments. Bridge-like connections corresponding to the separate striations are established between adjacent fibrils. A new tridimensional structure model of the collagen fibrils is proposed.


[Research technics of enzymes used in the diagnosis of gram negative bacteria (author's transl)]. The enzymes used in the identification of Gram negative bacteria belonging to the families of Enterobacteriaceae, Vibrionaceae, Parvobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae and to the genera Alteromonas, Xanthomonas, Alkaligenes, Flavobacterium are classified arbitrarily by the author into enzymes essential for the diagnosis of the family (oxidase, nitratase), enzymes useful in the diagnosis of the genus or the species (ONPG-hydrolase, urease, oxidative desaminase, lysine decarboxylase and ornithine, arginine dihydrolase, thiosulphate reductase, pectinase), and into enzymes sought to confirm the diagnosis (tetrathionate reductase, gelatinase, lipase, DNase, amylase, beta-xylosidase, lecithinase). The technics permitting their identification are described and their distribution in the species and genera studied is reported.


[Study of the isoenzymes of lactate dehydrogenase: frequent values in relation to age in children, study of conservation (author's transl)]. In this study we were able to evaluate the total lactate dehydrogenase activity of serum of children year by year. We also defined by electrophoresis the normal isozyme profile for each age group. We noted that the total activity was higher during the first years of life and that during this period, the isoenzymic profile was different from that of adults: higher percentage of LDH 5 (13% as against 8% in adults) and a lower percentage of LDH 1 (19% as against 24% in adults). Furthermore, it seemed to us preferable to determine the total LDH activity on fresh serum for a fall in activity is noted both after preservation at + 4 degrees C and -20 degrees C. Similarly, it is preferable to trace the isoenzyme profile on the same day rather than after preservation of the samples. The average differences show clearly the disappearance of certain fractions (isoenzymes 4 and 2 after six days preservation at + 4 degrees C). However, each serum seems to behave in a somewhat unforseeable manner and the dispersion of individual variations makes any statistical interpretation impossible.


[Analysis of 17-oxosteroids by gas liquid chromatography after purification of the urinary extract by Girard's T reagent (author's transl)]. The authors describe a method of fractionation of urinary 17-oxosteroids after purification of the urinary extract by Girard's T reagent. After solvolysis, enzyme hydrolysis and purification by Girard's T reagent, the 17-oxosteroids were estimated in the form of trimethyl silyl ethers by gas liquid chromatographye on OV 225 using cholesterol acetate for standardisation. The improvement in the quality of the fraction using this technic, the analytical characteristics of which are studied in this work, is of definite interest, in particular after stimulation by ACTH, HCG, metopirone and in the case of pigmentation of the urine.


[Micromethod of estimation of total bilirubin using a single stable reagent (author's transl)]. The authors propose a method of estimation of total bilirubin characterised by the use of a single stable reagent, excellent reproducibility and a particularly narrow correlation (r = 0.993) with Michaelsson's method. They study the influence of protein, reduced glutathion and hemoglobin on the reaction.


[Growth of "Dictyostelium discoideum" on different species of bacteria (author's transl)]. Dictyostelium discoideum (Acrasida) is a predatory amoeba feeding on bacteria of forest soil. Growth of D. discoideum on various bacterial species has been studied. The majority of the species of bacteria tested provide a convenient food source of D. discoideum. However, some species of bacteria do not permit growth of these amoebae; in some cases the reason of this unability has been established: it is due either to the incapacity for amoebae to phagoycte the bacteria or to the bacterial elaboration of compounds toxic for the amoebae.


[Respiratory and swallowing difficulties after oesophageal atresia (author's transl)]. The main reason for these problems is a tracheo-oesophageal fistula, either recurrence of the T.O. fistula, either persistance of a fistula which has been neglected during surgery. It has been observed in 7 infants from 19 operated atresias with such problems. These functionnal troubles may be produced by different other anomalies: oesophageal stenosis and or dyskinesia often observed, gastro-oesophageal reflux, associated anomalies of the larynx or trachea; laryngeal paralysis, tracheomalacia, tracheal epithelium metaplasia, tracheal compression by abnormal vessel, neurological dysmaturity, loss of swallowing reflex after a long postoperative course. Radiography and endoscopy are fundamental and complementary investigations. Endoscopy, under general anesthesia, must be minute (with optics), explore oesophageal and laryngo-tracheo-bronchic tract, and use several tests to demonstrate permeability of the fistula when it has been located. A special technique is presented. Several points must be outlined: 1--classical symptoms of persistant fistula are not reliable in authors' experience; any recurrent respiratory and swallowing problem requires investigations; 2--endoscopy and radiographic study have to be repeated sometimes to prove fistula; 3--responsability of some anomalies must be always discussed, because of their possible association with a fistula; several fistulas may also exist.


[Facial paralysis during progressive chronic otitis. Reflections apropos of 32 cases]. The authors report their experience of 32 cases of facial paralysis occurring during progressive chronic otitis. Twenty were pre-operative. The conclusions which may be drawn are as follows: 1) It occurs in general in cases of severe chronic otitis with large destructive cholesteatomatous and osteitic lesions. 2) Surgery is often difficult, long full of unexpected findings and risks. 3) The development of facial paralysis in a case of progressive chronic otitis is an indication for immediate surgery, on the same basis as a fistula of the H.S.C.C., which is, in fact, oftan present in association. 4) The lesions encountered are much more extensive at the time of secondary (11) rather than at primary surgery (9). 5) The extent of the lesions (13 cases of fistula or laybrinthine destruction) and auditory impairment (16 cophoses or sub-cophoses) are such that tympanoplasty is useless. The authors report their long term results: 13 cases of complete recovery, 4 nil, 3 partial (2 as a result of a superficial cervical plexus graft). They raise the problem of the management when a markedly contused nerve is discovered: simple liberation with incision of its sheath or immediate graft? The other twelve were postoperative. Five were cases operated upon by the autor. There was 100% recovery in all cases, but one patient, in whom the nerve followed an atypical course, required decompression surgery. In the other seven, the autors performed 3 decompressions followed by an excellent result, apart from in one case in which the nerve was markedly contused. In 2 cases a superficial cervical plexus graft and a XII-VII anastomosis proved necessary.


[Neonatal laryngeal paralysis. Course and treatment. 56 cases (author's transl)]. 56 laryngeal paralyses were seen in newborn infants between 1970 and 1976 (25 bilateral, 31 unilateral). The aetiology was obstetric trauma in 11 cases, nuclear agenesis in 7 cases, a severe neurological disorder (spina bifida, hydrocephaly, microcephaly, lesions of the central nervous system) in 13 cases, and congenital heart disease in 3 cases. In 10 cases, the paralysis was present in isolation. The initial state was not recorded in 11 cases. The course varied according to the aetiology: 5 deaths, 4 due to the severity of neurological problems. Regression, which invariably occured before the end of the 6th month, was seen in all the cases with an obstetric aetiology and in 50% of those in which the paralysis was present in isolation. There was persistence in the majority of neurological, nuclear or central causes. However, subsequent tolerance of persistent forms was good in all those patients followed-up on a regular basis, apart from 5 who underwent surgery. Treatment consisted of intubation for forms poorly tolerated initially, for the first few weeks. Tracheotomy did not prove necessary in any case. 5 patients underwent surgery: arytenoidectomy or arytenoidopexy via an extralaryngeal approach.


[Evoked brain stem potentials. Study of their adaptation in multiple sclerosis]. This study of the Brainstem evoked Response has been done to try to find the exact location of neurologic disorders. The authors wanted to see if there were differences between normal subjects and patients with multilocular sclerosis, when the auditory stimulus in increasing from 10 pps to 50 pps. From 15 normal subjects (30 ears) the results have been compared to those obtained from 6 patients. The findings were: -- there is no adaptation phenomenon in the Brainstem (the conduction time in the Brainstem is absolutely constant). -- there is an adaptation which occurs before the first peak, happening later at 50 pps than at 10 pps. -- in the multilocular sclerosis the findings were: augmentation of the peak to peak delay no synchronisation of the peaks so that is very difficult to recognize each peaks. And the peaks are easier to recognize at 50 pps than at 10 pps which fact unexpectable. This dyssynchronisation at the compression and rarefaction click is for the authors an important factor for the multilocular sclerosis diagnosis.


[Epidermoid carcinoma of paranasal sinuses. 61 cases treated at the Claudius-Reguad Center from 1961 to 1976 (author's transl)]. Authors present a critical review of 61 cases of squamous carcinoma of paranasal sinuses. Most of these cases were diagnosed at an advanced stage, allowing only external radiotherapy to be proposed. The mean delivred dose was 6,000 to 6,500 rads, mainly to telecobaltherapy. Survival rates are poor (SVI = 50%, SV3 = 14%, SV5 = 8%) in the same range than values previously published by others. However, it seems possible to point out some practical trends in order to improve the management of the disease:--in all cases, irradiated volumes must be large;--prophylactic irradiation of cervical nodes in also a key point, especially when tumor reaches the oral cavity, the skin or the pterygomaxillary fossa.


[The value of radiotomographic examination in carcinomas of the larynx (author's transl)]. The autors compare the interpretation of radiotomographic films and the results of pathological examination of total laryngectomy specimens in 60 cases without contrast and in 15 cases with contrast. They study the value of the interpretation of X-ray films according to the site in terms of height, size, shape, the extent of the carcinoma and possible involvement of the pre-epiglottic space, the thyroid cartilage and the base of the tongue. With the aim of determining the true value of radiotomographic examination in carcinoma of the larynx, comparative tables were drawn up between the radiological interpretation and findings on macroscopic examination of total laryngectomy operative specimens. Radiological examination included standard lateral films, AP tomograms and, more recently, contrast laryngography.


[Assessment of a thirty year long experience in treatment of esophageal caustic stenosis (author's transl)]. Among 457 esophageal stenosis treated between 1954 and 1977, 258 (56%) were caustic stenosis. The treatment of those is the most difficult. Functionnal healding was satisfactory in 93% of the treated cases by dilatations. Four strict rules ought to be observed in the management of this cases. Immediate and long terme antibiotic treatment of the corrosive esophagitis. X rays are the only means to be used during evolution of corrosive esophagitis. No instrumental performance until sufficient cicatrization. Retrograde dilatations after gastrostomy shall be prefered in serious cases. Gastro-esophageal reflux may complicate this evolution and require surgery. Total esophageal replacement can be averted in most cases.


[Septal surgery and rhinoplasty (author's transl)]. From an anatomical standpoint, the nasal septum makes up the greater part of the bridge, contributes to determination of the length of the pyramid, plays a part in the formation of the columella, projects the tip and divides the space located behind the piriform orifice to limit the two nasal fossae. Deformities may thus affect the morphology of the pyramid and nasal physiology, in other words require correction for aesthetic or functional reasons. These two aspects of the question are considered in succession, with the understanding that the two problems often exist in association, in particular after trauma. Surgical action involving the septum is almost always associated with the operative protocol of a rhinoplasty for aesthetic purposes. Emphasis has been placed above all on operations for functional purposes. Three techniques are discussed: resection and reposition, considered to be procedures involving the septum only, and rhinoplasty where the operation involves the whole of the pyramid. There is no basis for the automatic rejection of any of them, but on the contrary all are valid and mutually interrelated by multiple forms of passage and association.


[Post-embolisation lower motor neurone facial paralysis. Report of one case, discussion, prevention (author's transl)]. In the light of one case of post-embolisation lower moteur neurone facial paralysis, it was felt to be of interest to drawn attention to the possible role played by the middle meningeal artery: -- in the aetiogenesis of certain peripheral problems affecting the facial nerve during embolisation of the medial maxillary artery; -- in the direct recognition of a dangerous anatomical distribution. The easy identification of its endocrine branch and of the stylo-mastoid artery should reveal the mode of arterial distribution of the facial nerve: -- pure petrous; --petro-mastoid: -- pure mastoid; and hence to assess the risks run by patient during embolisation, according to the territory and the equipment.


[Surgical treatment of caustic strictures of the eosophagus (author's transl)]. A retrosternal esophageal by-pass, mainly using isoperistaltic transverse colon, was performed in ten patients. In three of them, a gastrectomy for antral stenosis was associated. All the patients are alive and normally eating. A resection of the burned segment does not appear as mandatory. That surgery is essentially functionnal, and the indication must make much account of the patient's will.


[Study under scanning electron microscopy of scales of PUVA treated psoriasis (authors's transl)]. The authors recall an particular aspect of microvilli at the surface of horney cells in psoriasic disease. These microvilli are rounded, irregular size and spaced. The photochemotherapy involves parallely the disappearance of these microvilli and the recovery of the cutaneous lesions. The authors describe a "crumpled" aspect of the microvilli, appearing during the evolution towards the recovery.


[Primary bronchogenic and pharyngo-laryngeal carcinomas (author's transl)]. The study of 112 case histories of lung cancers, both primary and secondary, has allowed the authors to determine as being of 5% the incidence of primary bronchogenic carcinoma associated with treated pharyngo-laryngeal cancer. One out of three such primaries was a solitary lung opacity. Bronchogenic primaries appeared be almost as frequent as lung, pleura and mediastine secondarie. They can be diagnosed at any moment of the treatment or follow-up of pharyngo-laryngeal cancer, and appear to occur later than pulmonary metastases. Their symptoms are more "bronchopulmonary" in nature. They are more frequently associated with endolarynx and chorda carcinomas. They are possibly more frequent in cases of smaller primaries without lymph-node involvement. Solitary lung opacities should be considered as independent primaries and constitute the best candidates for efficient pulmonary treatment. Treated pharyngo-laryngeal patients should undergo regularly spaced lung roentgenograms and frequent tracheal sputum cytology.


[Treatment of pustular psoriasis with a new aromatic retinoid (RO 10-9359). Report on 9 generalized and 8 localized cases (author's transl)]. 17 patients with pustular psoriasis, i. e. 9 generalized and 8 localized types, were treated orally with the new aromatic retinoid RO 10-9359. The given dose was 0.5-1.0 mg/kg body weight per day. After 4-8 weeks the result was very good or good in 13 cases. Side effects were moderate; only in one female patient the oral treatment was interrupted because of drug-induced alopecia. Histologic examinations revealed spongiform pustules before treatment and typical features of psoriasis vulgaris after 2 weeks; after 4 weeks most tissue changes had returned to normal. An unusual fine granular mucoid material was seen under the electron microscope in the intercellular spaces of the epidermis, being most likely produced in the keratinocytes.


[Oral treatment of severe psoriasis with a new aromatic retinoid (Ro 10-9359) (author's transl)]. The aromatic retinoic acid derivative Ro 10-9359 was administered orally to 25 severe psoriatic patients (14 with generalized plaques, 7 erythrodermic, 4 pustular). The initial dose was 25 mg/20 kg body weight daily for 4 weeks; afterwards the same posology was given every other day during several months (Max : 18 months). Excellent results were obtained in 16 patients (64 p. 100) particularly in severe erythrodermic and pustular psoriasis. However, under follow-up therapy relapses sometimes occurred leading to temporary resumption of initial posology. The most important side effects are cheilitis, palmoplantar scaling with thinning of the skin, hyperhidrosis and diffuse hair loss. A slight increase of transaminases and of alkaline phosphatases was found in a few patients. The Ro 10-9359 compound is a very useful new therapy of severe psoriasis.


[Chédiak-Higashi disease (report on a new case) (author's transl)]. A typical case of Chédiak-Higashi disease is reported in a French four years old boy (no parents consanguinity). The clinical aspect of oculo-cutaneous and pilar hypopigmentation, associated with recurrent infections led to the diagnosis of C. H. disease which was confirmed by the presence of giant leukocytes granulations in the blood and giant melanosomes in epidermal melanocytes; these giant pigmented granules, are made of a limiting unique membrane with granular matrix and periodic filamentous structures, which correspond to stade I, II and III melanosomes. In keratinocytes, melanosomes are rare, never isolated and scattered in cytoplasm, but grouped in giant melanosomes complexes. No specific immunity deficiency is found in this patient but the chemotaxis of neutrophil polymorphonuclear leukocytes was decreased but restored by levamisole treatment. Concanavaline A Cap formation by polymorphonuclear leukocytes was abnormally increased, but returned at a normal level after cyclic GMP incubation and levamisole treatment. Unfortuntely, the patient died soon after accelerated phase had begun, in an anatomo-clinical picture of pseudo-lymphoma. A pathogenic discussion of CH disease is presented with the help of a study of 102 cases of literature.


[Dermatology and polyposis of the gastro-intestinal tract (author's transl)]. The authors study three rare syndromes which are characterized by the association of cutaneous manifestations with an intestinal polyposis: Gardner's syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers-Touraine's syndrome, Cronkhite-Canada's syndrome. The Gardner's syndrome is transmitted with an autosomal prevalence, and its vital prognosis remains very porr. It is characterized by the association of various cutaneous manifestations such as fibromas, freckles, etc. with osteomas, neuro-fibromas and polyps of the large bowel. Its severity is related to the very early malignant degeneration of digestive polyps. The Peutz-Jeghers-Touraine's syndrome is transmitted in an autosomal prevalence and its vital prognosis is benign. The cutaneous manifestations are the very early occurrence of lentigines on the face, around the hiatus, and on the lips. The polyps are situated on the small bowel, and are the source of important functional phenomenons; their malignant change is rare. The Cronkhite-Canada's syndrome is rare. Its etiology is unknown and its prognosis is very poor. Its manifestation is the association of more or less wide-spread cutaneous pigmentations, alopecia, and onyxis with a digestive syndrome secondary to a pseudo-polyposis which is the origin for afecal and serous diarrhea, a cause for very severe denutrition. The diagnosis and the treatment of these three syndromes are discussed.


Neural neurotization.

Neural neurotization. Controlled experimentation using dogs has demonstrated that free nerve-end insertion into a denervated muscle that has lost its motor nerve at the point of entry into that muscle can sprout axons at its implanted end to unite with neuromuscular endplates, either preexisting or new, and result in a functioning muscle. Clinical applications can be found in the treatment of facial paralysis and traumatically induced avulsions of large muscles.


A simplified technique for correction of the cleft lip nasal deformity. The cleft lip nasal deformity is a result of imbalance of the structures caused by a collapsed alar cartilage, a widened nostril floor, and a lowered nasal orifice. This deformity can be corrected most readily by repositioning and supporting the collapsed alar cartilage of the cleft side. A technique has been developed to achieve this by releasing the ala from the nasolabial fold, elevating and supporting the alar cartilage, and repositioning the alar rim on its new deepithelialized base. One- to two-year follow-up of seven patients who underwent such repair has demonstrated satisfactory correction of the deformity.


Cosmetic correction of the mild or partially corrected pectus excavatum utilizing silastic implant. The alternative approach to the cosmetic problem of mild or partially corrected pectus excavatum is presented. A case report with a discussion of the use of silicone in this problem is undertaken. An extremely simple method of implant casting is demonstrated.


The role of pressure therapy in management of earlobe keloids: preliminary report of a controlled study. Prevention of postexcisional recurrence of the common earlobe keloid has long been an enigma to the surgeon. The increased realization that pressure aids in diminishing hypertrophic burn scars has stimulated us to develop an effective pressure device to control the collagen overgrowth frequently occurring after initial keloid excision. Our device is a decorative spring-pressure earring that is applied to the earlobe 2 weeks after excision of the keloid. The patient is instructed to wear the earring for 4 to 6 months. An effective evaluation of this device was carried out through its bilateral use in some patients. The earring was used initially on only 1 ear; when early recurrence was detected in the control ear, application of the device diminished and prevented keloid reformation. This innovation promises to be an important adjunct in the prevention of postexcisional recurrence of earlobe keloids, and the preliminary results are reported with a 12 to 15 month follow-up. Constant light pressure is discussed as an effective means of preventing postexcisional recurrence of these lesions.


Clinical observations on the isolated optic nerve injury. The optic nerve can be injured indirectly by blunt trauma to the frontoorbital region. The mechanism of injury is related to trauma of the nerve in the tight, bony optic canal. Neurovisual transmission in the canal is interrupted by pressure on the nerve. The conventional management includes careful observation and supportive treatment. Recent interest in this unique clinical problem has prompted the development of new techniques to decompress the injured optic canal extracranially; these approaches have produced encouraging results. Another dividend of the method has been the mapping of the optic nerve region under magnification using the operating room microscope. Any gain of vision, partial or complete, is well appreciated by the patient and the physician.


Surgical correction of the facial deformities of acromegaly. The neurosurgical treatment of acromegaly is well established, but little has been written about correction of the facial deformities of this disease. Although hypertrophy of the skin and subcutaneous tissues may decrease after successful treatment of the pituitary tumor, there is no reversal of the bony changes. An acromegalic patient is presented whose facial deformities were repaired in stages by mandibular osteotomy and soft tissue excision. The history and pathology of acromegaly are reviewed.


Basal cell adenoma of the parotid gland. Basal cell adenoma of the parotid gland is infrequently seen and rarely documented in the American literature. A case history is presented to emphasize its occurrence in older men and to discuss its pathological appearance. A review of the literature shows that superficial conservative parotidectomy is the treatment of choice because the lesion is considered benign.


Bridal veil nylon: the trellis effect in rapid wound healing. Commercially available bridal veil nylon (BVN) in 2.0-3,0-, and 4.0-mm hexagonal mesh is being used as a sterile dressing for burns and many surgical problems. BVN appears to promote more rapid reepithelialization of granulating burn wounds than other dressings. I suggest that the BVN mesh provides a "trellis effect", acting as a supporting structure across which, or over which, epithelium will grow more rapidly than it would without the dressing. Photographic studies illustrating this effect are included. BVN also allows us to secure recent skin grafts, and it appears to be an ideal dressing for recent hair plug transfers. It is possible to examine wounds directly and to clean them with whatever technique is indicated, including hydrotherapy and Hubbard tank regimen, and yet not to disrupt underlying structures such as skin grafts and hair plugs. A major advantage of this dressing is that it minimizes painful removal of Kling and Kurlex type dressings. Photographs demonstrate the use of BVN, which is quite inexpensive and can be gas-autoclaved in any hospital facility.


A quick, accurate mammometer.

A quick, accurate mammometer. Exact knowledge of breast size can be very helpful in many reconstructive procedures, including augmentation mammaplasty and reconstruction after radical mastectomy. We have devised a quick, accurate, dry, versatile method for measuring breast size which can be utilized preoperatively, intraoperatively, or postoperatively.


Modern concepts of melanoma and its management. Malignant melanoma can be diagnosed at an early biological stage when relatively simple excisional surgery carries a remarkably good prognosis. For this to happen requires good public education, so that patients are aware of the potential danger of any change in a mole, and good professional education, so that physicians of first contact are alert to the possibility of melanoma in these patients.


Trypsin inhibitor in sow colostrum and its function. A short review is given on physical, chemical, biochemical, physiological, and functional properties of sow colostrum trypsin inhibitor. Special interest is concentrated on the physiological variations in colostrum and milk, and in serum and urine from suckling piglets. Possible significance of the inhibitor in relation to pathology is suggested.


Passive allergisation of calves and lambs due to colostral antibodies. Using an aqueous extract of liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) as a naturally occurring antigen it was demonstrated that newborn calves were passively sensitized by oral intake of maternal anaphylactic antibodies. In 3 day-old, colostrum deprived calves and lambs the transfer of this anaphylactic activity was studied by Prausnitz-Küstner test and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test. The technical conditions of the in vivo detection of anaphylactic antibodies are described. The relevance of passive anaphylaxis is discussed.


The immunoglobulin composition of colostrum and the persistence of acquired immunoglobulins and specific antibodies in the calf. The absolute amounts of immunoglobulins contained in twenty-five samples of colostrum were determined. It was found that the quality of the colostrum is approximately the same for the first nine hours following parturition. The secretion of a cow following an abortion, however, does not have the quality of colostrum and should therefore not be saved to feed newborn calves. Detailed studies concerning the transfer of colostral antibodies to the newborn showed that ideally two liters of colostrum should be given within the first twelve hours. If the calf is derived from a heifer, a young cow or from a newly introduced animal it should receive 50% of its colostrum from an older cow of the herd. The colostrum can be kept in a frozen state for 15 years without losing too much of its original quality. The amounts of immunoglobulins and specific antibodies (against infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis and Parainfluenza-3) transferred were remarkably high and most likely due to those infections the dams had suffered from. It is proposed that programs should be introduced whereby dams are regularly vaccinated during the late gestation period. The vaccines used and their composition have to depend on the diseases prevalent in the individual countries and regions.


The effect of trypsin and chymotrypsin on the antibacterial activity of complement, antibodies, and lactoferrin and transferrin in bovine colostrum. The effect of trypsin and chymotrypsin on antibacterial factors in bovine colostrum has been studied. Endogenous complement in colostrum was extremely sensitive to both enzymes. IgM was attacked by chymotrypsin but not by trypsin. Trypsin slowly attacked IgG1, causing loss of biological activity due to cleavage of both light and heavy chains. IgG1 was only very slightly attacked by chymotrypsin. Lactoferrin and transferrin in the iron-free state were both susceptible to proteolysis, but the iron saturated forms were more resistant and tended to give rise to stable iron-binding fragments.


The role of colostrum antibodies and the significance of antigenic competition in young lambs. Young lambs were fed with a small amount of pooled colostrum and injected at either 1, 3, 6 or 12 weeks after birth with the antigen hen egg albumin (Ea). Five days before the Ea injection the experimental group were given a large dose of pooled vaccines (competing antigens). Blood samples were collected at regular intervals after the Ea injection. The results showed marked antigenic competition of Ea at both 6--and 12--weeks of age but the results were partially confounded by the presence of unexpected passive antibodies to Ea in the pooled fed. The experiment was repeated with a separate group of conventionally reared lambs given the same competing antigens but using human serum albumin (HSA) as the suppressed antigen. In this experiment the results differed since antibody concentrations and avidities to HSA were similar in 1, 6 and 12-week-old animals and there was no evidence for antigenic competition. The data presented illustrate the difficulties both of measuring immune responses in young ruminants and also of interpreting such results.


The effect of immunoglobulin levels on calf performance and methods of artificially feeding colostrum to the newborn calf. A survey of 1,250 purchased calves found that 40% had blood serum Ig values of less than 15 ZST units. A positive relationship was obtained between initial blood serum Ig level of the purchased calf and subsequent mortality. Calf liveweight gain within two systems of calf rearing was not related to initial blood serum Ig levels. No relationship was obtained between initial Ig levels and incidence of diarrhoea. Artificially feeding the newborn calf to appetite with first milking colostrum in two feeds, the first 4-6 hrs after birth and a second 4-6 hrs later results in 95% of calves having blood serum Ig levels greater than 15 ZST units. Artificially feeding the calf colostrum in the presence of the dam resulted in a significant increase in the calf's blood serum Ig level. Artificially feeding colostrum at room temperature (14 degrees C) did not significantly reduce colostrum intake or calf blood serum Ig levels.


Effects of orchidectomy and male hormone administration on the adrenal of common myna, Acridotheres tristis. When orchidectomized, the adrenals of semi-domestic, adult common myna, Acridotheres tritis atrophied. The cortical cord width and cortico-medullary ratio decreased and ascorbic acid and cholesterol contents of the adrenal increased significantly. Testosterone, depending upon the dose employed either restored the atrophic adrenals to normal condition or caused further atrophy of the glands of the castrated birds, suggesting a stimulatory effect on the adrenals at low and inhibitory at high dose levels.


[Spermatogenic dysfunction and gonadotrophins (author's transl)]. The authors try to demonstrate a relation between the number of immature cells of germinal origin in sterile men's sperm and plasmatic gonadotrophin levels of the same patients. Plasma FSH, LH, testosterone and 17 beta-estradiol were assayed in two groups of male patients with teratospermia. Results were compared with those obtained in a control group of normal men. Hypophyseal gonadotrophins level is higher in men whose spermatogenesis is defective than in normal men. It is suggested that these results might support the hypothesis that a defect in inhibin synthesis would be responsible for raised gonadotrophins.


[Biological parameters of virilism in women]. Comparative results of the suppression-stimulation test by dexamethasone and chorionic gonadotropin, chromatographic separation of 17-ketosteroids, and plasma testosterone levels in the ovarian and adrenal veins, in cases of virilism in women. Thirteen patients with hirsutism and virilization were investigated as follows: 1. measurement of plasma testosterone (T) levels by radioimmunoassay (RIA) during suppression-stimulation tests by the administration of Dexamethasone (DXM) and chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG). 2. chromatographic determination of urinary 17-ketosteroids, pregnanediol (P2), and pregnanetriol (P3). An attempt was made to classify virilism as "ovarian" or "adrenal" based on the results of 1. and 2. 3. bilateral ovarian and adrenal venous catheterization through the femoral vein to measure T (RIA) levels. 4. laparotomy with bilateral wedge resections of the ovaries for therapeutic and biopsy purposes. Surgical catheterization of the ovarian veins was carried out during the operation. The results of these tests show that: a) the dynamic DXM-HCG test can be used to separate those cases in which the ovary is not involved in T formation from those in which, apparently, it is involved. b) chromatographic determination of urinary steroids has no aetiological value, as the variations in the different fractions are not significant. c) in all patients, the principal source of T is the adrenals and not the ovaries, even when there is an increase in T in the ovarian efferent blood vessels.


[Auto-immune juvenile polyendocrinopathy (author's transl)]. The observation on a young girl of a chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis associated with a pernicious anemia and a primary defect of parathyroid, adrenal and gonadal functions has brought us to a general review on non tumoral, multiple endocrinopathies in children. The analysis of the 47 observations of literature including the symptomatic triad, moniliasis, hypoparathyroidism and adrenal insufficiency, correlated with 107 other cases including only an incomplete triad but other well systematized associations, brings us to enlarge the fame of Whitaker's syndrom, to the more generalized one of auto immune juvenile poly-endocrinopathies. It seems to us that this new entity can be individualized: --by clinical features, linked to the age of occurence, to the predilection for the female sex, the specific chronology of the symptoms (moniliasis, hypoparathyroidism, primary hypothyroidism, adrenal and gonadal insufficiencies, Hashimoto thyroiditis, chronic diarrhoea, alopecia, pernicious anemia, "idiopathic" liver disease). --by genetic findings : compatible with an autosomic recessive transmission. --by the antaomo pathological aspect of the destroyed endocrine glandes on which the lymphocyte infiltration rises. --and by the etiopathogenic mechanism which is certainly linked to a defect of cell mediated immunity. Moreover, these different features seem to differentiate this juvenile syndrom from the polyendocrinopathies of the adult.


Clinical and endocrinological aspects of induced parturition in multiparous sows. Intramuscular administration of PGF2alpha or its analogue ICI 80996 at 110--112 days of gestation results in grouped parturition. The decrease of progesterone levels is interrupted by a temporary increase. During expulsion rather high values are obtained compared to the control group. Unconjugated oestrogens increase, reaching maximum values just before expulsion.


[Thyroid secretion in experimental hyperplasia (author's transl)]. Hyperactive dog thyroids were prepared by repeated TSH stimulation in vivo. Butanol extractable 125iodine (BE 125I) release in vitro from such hyperactive thyroid slices was enhanced when compared with resting slices. Apical pseudopods an colloid droplets were exceptional in such hyperactive thyroids. Moreover, BE125I release was intensitive to cytochalasin B, microtubules and metabolic inhibitors, and decreased only with temperature. Our data demonstrate that hormonal secretion by hyperactive thyroids is not secondary to apical phagocytosis of colloid droplets.


[Late metabolic effects of the neo natal andogenisation or oestrogenisation of the rat (author's transl)]. Neo natal androgenisation of the female rat provoke at 3 months : 1) an accentuation of the insulin secretion at the glucose loading with the diet rich in saturated fat an a reduction with the diet rich in sucrose or rapesced oil; 2) Hypercholesterolemia with all the diets and 3) hypertriglyceridemia with diet rich in saturated fat or sucrose. Neo natal oestrogenisation of the male rata provoke at 3 months : 1) a reduction of the insulin secretion at the glucose loading with all the diets 2) hypercholesterolemia with the diet rich in saturated fats 3) hypertriglyceridemia with diets rich in M.C.T. or sucrose.


Cold-shock induced changes in the interrenal tissue of a fresh water tropical teleost, Colisa fasciatus. Interrenal tissue of Colisa is present in the head kidney as a collar around the right posterior cardinal vein. In the latter, a sphincter-like structure was observed. The adrenocortical cells are organized in irregularly grouped lobules, each lobule having a small lumen at its centre. There are usually 1-3 layers of such lobules around the vein. The chromaffin cells are interspersed between the adrenocortical cells and are readily identified because of their large size and almost transparent cytoplasm. Both the adrenocortical and chromaffin cells are irregular in shape with a single nucleus. Distinct hypertrophy of the adrenal cortical cells and their nuclei is observed at 171 minutes and 267 to 363 minutes following cold-shock (about +2 degrees C). Extrusion of the nucleoli through the nuclear membrane is noticed at 315 minutes. These changes indicate activation of the pituitary-interrenal axis subsequent to the stress of cold-shock. Size of the chromaffin cells and of their nuclei decreased at 75, 123 and 315 minutes post shock, suggesting release of catecholamines leading to the activation of the pituitary-interrenal axis.


Electron microscopy of lamellated osmiophilic bodies in granular pneumocytes of the toad (Bufo icterus icterus) in an advanced stage of dehydration and after rehydration. The effects of body dehydration on the ultrastructural pattern of lamellated osmiophilic bodies of granular pneumocytes of toads were investigated until almost complete absence of these bodies after 40 per cent body weight loss. The presence of lamellated osmiophilic bodies after rehydration would strongly indicate that water has a great influence upon the secretion of these structures.


Immune type glomerulonephritis induced by HgCl2 in the Brown Norway rat. HgCl2 chronically injected in the Brown-Norway rat induced a biphasic renal disease. The first stage was characterized by anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies. The second stage by the appearance of immune complexe type deposits in the glomerular tufts and in the small renal arteries. These immune complexes were constituted of a basement membrane component and anti-basement membrane antibodies. Other immune complexes were perhaps involved. In most of the rats, a proteinuria and a nephrotic syndrome appeared, as a consequence of this immune disease. No abnormalities were observed in Lewis rats, suggesting a role for a genetic control of this immune response.


[Effect of protein additives in mouse food on immune response to sheep red blood cells in mice (author's transl)]. Protein additives used in mouse food (fish meal, bovine blood meal, milk powder) interfere with the specific immune response induced with sheep red blood cells. Bovine blood meal reduces delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reactions and delays IgG production. Blood derivatives suppress mostly the central induction and not the peripheral expression of DTH since depression can be shown after systemic and not after subcutaneous immunization. The suppression of DTH is specific, it did not appear when DTH was produced with antigens presenting no antigenic cross-reactivity with protein additives (chicken red blood cells, tuberculin). This depressive effect was related neither to the presence of inhibitory serum factor nor to the production after immunization of specific antigen-antibody-blocking factor. Blood derivatives seem to act on the afferent arc of immune response especially on the splenic immunogenicity of the injected antigen to produce DTH.


Observations on the structure and levels of expression of murine spermatozoan abnormalities with special reference to tail deformations. Spermatozoan abnormalities have been studied by light and electron microscopy in the cauda epididymidis of 3 month old Balb/c and C57Bl mice. A qualitative account of the different abnormality-types at both levels of microscopy is given, with special emphasis on tail-defects which have so far received little attention. Quantitative data by light microscopy are also provided in an attempt to correlate structural abnormalities with the difference in fertility between these strains.