Dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans: analysis of eight cases in an African population. Eight cases of dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans seen in the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria between 1960 and 1972 are reviewed. The condition is rare in this population and affects young adults of both sexes. All were treated by wide excision and skin grafting with no recurrence at follow-up. The apparently low incidence being reported may be due in part to the inconsistent histological pattern of the lesion. Clinicians are urged to be more aware of this condition when a cutaneous, nodular or multiobulated tumor is encountered.


Ecological affinities of Brazil and the southeastern United States of America. A study in comparative physiological ecology. Brazil and the southeastern United States have faunistic similarities and differences which are of fundamental interest to the environmental scientist. These similarities and differences provide natural experimental organisms and habitats which can provide answers to basic and applied questions. What are the lethal limits of organisms to environmental changes? How do animals functionally adjust to various ecological parameters? How have basic biological systems evolved in response to new environments? Although the comparative functional attributes of individual species has been stressed in this paper, knowledge of the comparative dynamics os is vitally needed before man can gain an understanding of how systems function, and, equally important, how to manage and manipulate coastal marine environments. This critical area is where man has the potential to exert his greatest influence on the future existence and evolution of specific organisms and ecosystems.


[Morbidity and mortality in low-birth-weight infants (1,000 g, or less (author's transl)]. 50 low-birth-weight infants (1,000 g. or less) admitted to an Intensive Care Unit from January 1972 up to December 1974 are evaluated. Obstetrical data maturity and morbidity are compared in order to investigate factors that might predispose survival of these infants. Significant differences in gestational age, birth weight and maturity have been encountered. Mortality rate increases with a low Apgar score at one and five minutes, a low hematocrit an admission, early appearance of apnea, respiratory distress, when ressuscitation was required, need for assisted ventilation and septicemia. Among the factors that improve the rate of survival are: being small for gestational age, early rupture of membranes and temperature on admission above 35.5 degrees (axillary). Problems most frequently encountered were respiratory distress, apnea, infection and metabolic disturbances. Mortality rate was 76%, lowered to 50% among the small for gestational age group. The main causes of death were sepsis, severe hypoxia and intracraneal hemorrhage.


[Prevention of burns in children (author's transl)]. Based on their experience of 1,870 burned children, authors point out the main etiologic factors involved and discuss the preventive actions among which an improvement of the familial income and an adequate diffusion of safety rules seem to be the most relevant.


[Hodgkin's disease in small children (author's transl)]. 17 cases of Hodgkin's disease are reported, seen in a ten year period. Age of patients oscillated between three and seven years. There was a predominance of mixed cellularity type in histologic pattern. Most of patients were diagnosed in advanced clinical stages. Primary sign of disease was presence of cervical adenopathies and there were few cases of thoracic disease. Treatment consisted in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, according to histological type and clinical stage. Survival in our serie is of 53.3% with periods of observation from six months to seven years.


[Torsion of the testis in the newborn (author's transl)]. 27 cases of torsion of the testis in the newborn among 46 operations for torsion of the spermatic cord in childhood are reported. Usually torsions were extravaginal and orchidectomy for advanced necrosis was necessary in 22 cases. Authors comment on predisposing factors which produce a torsion of the testis in the newborn. The aetiology is unclear. Pathology of the specimens of orchidectomy as well as the final atrophy of several of the conserved testis demonstrate that excision is probably indicated even with an early diagnosis, which is essential.


[Aortic coarctation. Treatment under one year (author's transl)]. Fifteen patients operated upon for aortic coarctation under one year are reported. Nine of them survived. The E.C.G. was very useful as far as the surgical prognosis is concerned. Dead patients showed either right or biventricular hypertrophy, with alteration of the repolarisation. On the other hand 50% of survivors had left ventricular hypertrophy. In six of the operated patients a plasty between subclavian artery and aortic arch was performed. The remaining patients were treated by end-to-end anastomosis.


[Pulmonary atresia with intact i.v. septum (author's transl)]. Eight cases of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, are reviewed. Three corresponded to the group with small or hypoplastic right ventricle and five to the one with normal or enlarged right ventricular cavity. The electrocardiogram was of less value than plain chest radiography for the differential diagnosis of both groups. Cardiac catheterization revealed a right to left atrial shunt and the suprasystemic level of the right ventricular pressure. Selective angiocardiography demonstrates the stop of contrast at the level of pulmonary valve. Five patients were operated. An ascending aorta to right pulmonary artery anastomosis, Waterston type, was performed in three patients. Pulmonary valvotomy was carried out in the others.


[Vein and arterial renal thrombosis in a newborn (author's transl)]. A case of arterial and venous thrombosis in a newborn is presented. The etiopathogenic aspects are discussed, and the possible relationship between arterial and venous thrombosis in comparison with clinical renal vein thrombosis are evaluated. Appropriated treatment for these patients is presented.


Effectiveness of coronary care units in small community hospitals. A prospective study was undertaken from 1969 to 1974 to evaluate a program establishing coronary care units in small community hospitals. Crude mortality rates from acute myocardial infarction in these small hospitals were 14.5%, slightly higher but not statistically different from concurrently collected data in three larger comparision hospitals (11.5%). Mutivariate discriminate analysis of clinical characteristics was used to calculate a risk score for each patient admitted. Observed deaths exceeded expected deaths (134 versus 119) (P greater than 0.30) in small hospitals but observed deaths were less than expected (55 versus 77)(P less than 0.05) in comparison hospitals. Mortality was significantly greater in those units admitting fewer than 60 patients with infarctions yearly (20.9%) than in those admitting more than 60 (10.7%) (P less than 0.001). These data suggest that coronary care units in small community hospitals can provide adequate coronary care, but their level of performance drops when fewer than 60 patients with infarctions are admitted yearly.


[Plasmatic levels of glucose and insulin in siblings of diabetic children (author's transl)]. Observation of glucose and plasmatic insulin curve after oral administration of glucose in 16 brothers of juvenile diabetics. The findings were: slight curve alterations that would be compatible with chemical diabetes.


[Jadassohn's nevus sebaceous: E.E.G. data of four cases (author's transl)]. Electroencephalographic data of four cases of Jadassohn's nevus sebaceous found in children is reported. An attempt has been made to establish a correlation between the region of cutaneous lesion with that of the electroencephalographically affected area of the cerebral hemisphere. Cases published up until 1975 that have made reference to electroencephalographic findings are reviewed.


Hemodynamics in sleep-induced apnea. Studies during wakefulness and sleep. Twelve patients with predominantly obstructive type sleep apnea underwent cardiac catheterization, hemodynamic monitoring, and arterial blood gas analysis during wakefulness and sleep. Abnormalities during wakefulness included systemic hypertension in four of 12, exercise-induced mild pulmonary hypertension in five of 12, and alveolar hypoventilation in one. During sleep nine patients had cyclic elevations of arterial pressure with each apneic episode, exceeding 200 mm Hg systolic in three of 12. Pulmonary artery pressures increased in 10 of 12, exceeding 60 mm Hg systolic in five. Marked degrees of hypoxemia (arterial P02, less than 50 mm Hg in eight of 12) and moderate hypercapnia with respiratory acidosis were associated with these hemodynamic changes. Cyclic upper airway obstruction during sleep may result in hypercapnia, acidosis, and pronounced hypoxemia, which can lead to hemodynamic abnormalities during sleep. Sustained pulmonary hypertension and possibly systemic hypertension may follow. Tracheostomy is an effective therapy and is recommended to symptomatic patients who have predominantly obstructive apnea but no relievable anatomic cause of upper airway obstruction.


Thyroid function and metabolic state in chronic renal failure. Thirty-eight patients with chronic renal insufficiency who were in a dialysis program underwent studies of thyroid function and metabolic status. Mean values for serum total and free thyroxine (T4) concentrations and thyroxine-binding globulin capacity were within normal limits. Although mean serum total triiodothyronine (T3) concentration was normal, 43% of the group had low serum T3 and 54% had low serum free T3 concentrations. Serum thyrotrophin (TSH) concentrations were normal in all but four subjects who had very slight elevations. Metabolic status was assessed by various metabolic tests; mean values for each of these tests were normal, and the clinical index scores indicated that all patients were euthyroid. Results of metabolic testing were similar in patients with low and those with normal serum T3 concentrations. Low serum T3 measurements did not accurately reflect metabolic state in patients with chronic renal failure, whereas serum free T4 and TSH concentrations were reliable indicators of thyroid state.


Nelson's syndrome: frequency, prognosis, and effect of prior pituitary irradiation. Previous reports differ regarding the frequency and course of pituitary tumors occurring after adrenalectomy for bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (Nelson's syndrome). In this report, 120 patients who were adrenalectomized for bilateral adrenal hyperplasia were followed for 2 to 20 years. Nine of the 120 developed Nelson's syndrome (8%), the tumors appearing 6 months to 16 years after adrenalectomy. In the majority of cases, the course was benign; seven patients are living an average of 9.7 years after discovery of their tumors. Finally, contrary to previous reports, pituitary irradiation before adrenalectomy did not prevent Nelson's syndrome. Twenty of 120 patients had pituitary irradiation as the initial treatment for bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and two subsequently developed pituitary tumors. Thus, after adrenalectomy for bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, all patients, regardless of previous pituitary irradiation, should be followed indefinitely with periodic X rays of the sella turcica for the possible occurrence of Nelson's syndrome.


[Appendicitis in a premature infant (a case report) (author's transl)]. The case of a 1600 g. 11 day-old premature infant operated upon for G.I. perforation 9 days after exchangetransfusion for hyperbilirrubinemia is reported. Surgery revealed peritonitis due lo appendiceal perforation without evidence of other NEC lesions. Rectal biopsy was normal as well. The problem of neonatal appendicitis is briefly reviewed.


Unrecognized adult salicylate intoxication. Adult salicylate intoxication has been considered to be easily recognized and assciated with low morbidity and mortality. In the present study of 73 consecutive adults hospitalized with salicylate intoxication, 27% of patients were undiagnosed for as long as 72 h after admission. The initial physical findings and laboratory data in patients not diagnosed on admission did not markedly differ from the findings in patients diagnosed on admission, and included tachypnea and acid-based disturbances as well as the frequent occurrence of neurologic abnormalities. However, patients with a delayed diagnosis of salicylate intoxication were older, rarely had a previous history of drug overdose, and more often became accidentally intoxicated while ingesting salicylate for associated medical illnesses when compared with patients diagnosed on admission. Moratlity was encountered with significantly greater frequency in patients with delayed diagnosis, and, consequently, delayed therapy, when compared with patients diagnosed on admission.


[Freeman-sheldon's syndrome (cranio-carpo-tarsal dysplasia) (author's transl)]. A case with typical features of Freeman-Sheldon's syndrome is reported. The proband, a five years old girl had not any other affected members in her family, and showed every other associated malformations previously described: soft tissue swelling of supraorbital area, deep set eyes, epicantus, convergent strabismus, small nose, long philtrum area, H-Defect of chin, craneal alterations, kyphoscoliosis, finger contractures, thickening of the skin over the dorsum of the fingers, talipes equinovarus, etc. A cylindrical morphology of the three last metacarpals of both hands is remarkable.


[Hereditary acute tyrosinemia. a case report (author's trnasl)]. A three month old infant with hepatic cirrhosis of rapid instauration is presented. Diagnosis of acute tyrosinemia was suspected by clinical data and confirmed by the quantitiative determination of plasma amino acids and the peculiar histological characteristics of hepatic cirrhosis. Authors review briefly the pathogenesis, symptoms and treatment of the disease.


[Nephrotic syndrome associated with congenital syphilis (author's transl)]. Clinical and renal morphologic studies are reported in a 3 1/2 month old infant with congenital syphilis and nephrotic syndrome. Renal lesions were consistent with membranous proliferative glomerulonephritis, and the presence of glomerular deposits of IgM, C3, and of less intensity of IgE and fibrin, were demonstrated by means of immunofluorescence. These findings identify the renal lesion as an immune glomerulopathy. A therapeutic course of penicillin resulted in resolution of clinical manifestations without any evidence of persistent renal damage.


[The role of the different immunoglobulins in the milk ring test used for the detection of brucellosis (author's transl)]. The serum immunoglobulins obtained from one heifer vaccinated against brucellosis, and milk immunoglobulins from a cow suffering from a natural udder infection, were purified. The preparations were more than 99.5 per cent pure. The role of each immunoglobulin in the milk ring test was determined. Fractions sIgA and IgM induce the formation of a broad coloured ring after 1 hour's incubation at 37 degrees C. Under these same conditions, no ring was observed with IgG1 or IgG2 but the coloured agglutinated bacteria were visible at the bottom of the tube. The maintenance of the tubes at 4 degrees for 18 hours increased the sensitivity of the milk ring test, with all immunoglobulins. When the four immunoglobulins were simultaneously present in milk, the formation of the coloured ring prevented the formation of a deposit of agglutinated bacteria on the bottom of the tube. In this case, agglutination at the bottom of the tube occured only at dilutions above that giving the coloured ring. Addition of IgG1 and IgG2 to the mild containing sIgA or IgM slightly increased the title of the milk ring test: one part of the deposit of agglutinated bacteria rose to the surface with the fat globules.


[A new procedure of "Salmonella" enrichment (author's transl)]. We have prepared a modification of Rappaport's medium by reducing the content of themalachite green oxalate: medium R10, which is incubated at 43 degrees C instead of 37 degrees. These two modifications allow a satisfactory growth of a wide range of Salmonella and a better inhibition of competing organisms than the original medium of Rappaport incubated at 37 degrees and than Muller-Kauffmann's medium incubated at 43 degrees.


Posttraumatic optochiasmatic arachnoiditis. Seven cases of adhesive arachnoiditis of the optochiasmatic cistern, verified surgically, with a history of head injury are presented. Neuroophthalmologic findings consisted of impairment of visual acuity and funduscopic atrophy rather than papilledema. The visual fields showed a damage of the periaxial rather than the axial type. Neuroradiologic examinations did not consistently give the findings considered classical of optochiasmatic arachnoiditis. Surgical lysis of the adhesions has given an improvement of the visual function, or at least an arrest in its impairment, in almost all cases. It is thought that these cases still present some valid indications for neurosurgical exploration of the optochiasmatic region.


Subtotal eyelid reconstruction.

Subtotal eyelid reconstruction. I hope to stress that with familiarity with this procedure: (A) 50% of one or both lids as well as canthal excision can be adequately reconstructed in one operation without the need for canthotomy. (B) Scarring is minimized and resultant function and cosmetic results are good. (C) For the purposes of ablative surgery or traumatic loss the eyelids may be considered comparable to other external sphincters and amenable to the same reconstructive procedures and concepts which obtain in these other structures. Although many procedures have been recommended for sizeable lid losses, I feel that this operation offers certain advantages, particularly in its simplicity. These 7 cases demonstrate sizeable resections of lid tissue with satisfactory results even when as much as 50% or more is removed from one or both lids. The cardinal principle of the use of local tissues as recommended by Von Imre is to be stressed and still holds true today.


[Immunogenicity and protective activity of glycoprotein extracted from rabies virus: results from comparison of preparations obtained by different methods of purification (author's transl)]. A rabies vaccine was prepared from virus grown on primary cultured bovine foetal kidney cells. After beta-propiolactone inactivation of the virus, the vaccine was partially purified by zinc acetate precipitation, G-75 Sephadex chromatography, and ultracentrifugation prior to a non ionic detergent solubilisation. A glycoprotein fraction with protective capacity was extracted by Triton X100 from the spikes of the inactivated rabies virus. An electrophoretically homogenous glycoprotein was found to have higher values of protective activity compared to the initial tissue culture vaccine. T-e yield from this extraction method was from 10 to 20 per cent, based upon an immunological assay.


[Polyuridylic sequences and negative strands of Sindbis virus-specific RNAs: study by affinity chromatography on poly (A)-sepharose columns (author's transl)]. The experimental conditions of affinity chromatography on poly (A)-Sepharose columns have been determined. This method makes obvious the existence of polyuridylic acid sequences on the negative strands of Sinbis virus-spedific RNAs. The isolated RNAs are negative and positive strands hybrids. By polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, it has been shown that the negative strands have the same length as the 26 S interjacent RNA at the 6th hour, and as the 42 S virion RNA at the 9th hour postinfection. The polyadenylic acid sequences of the virion RNA and of the replicative intermediate are therefore probably genetically coded.


[The rate constant K37 in complement fixation tests: kinetic studies on the influenza virus-immune complex model (author's transl)]. A kinetic study of the fixation of complement by the influenza immune complex was performed, using an automatic method originally described by Vargues for use in immunobacteriology. The autoanalyser provided curves which could be transformed into a simple equation. The experimental graph of the complement fixation reaction is superposable on a model curve obtained by exponential dilurion of complement. The methematical formula of this exponential complement dilution fits results of complement fixation by the immunecomplex. The rate constant can be estimated from the tangent at the orgin of the curve; it is a function of the nature of the immunesystem, the quantity of immune-complex and the temperature. These results show that the reaction behaves according to the equations of first order kinetics. This law is therefore the same as that described for other immunological systems, such as the seroneutralization of bacteriophage or the fixation of isoagglutinins on red cells. The kinetic study leads to the proposal of the k37 value for the titration of an anti-influenza serum. It is the rate constant of the reaction at 37 degrees C and is independant of the time and temperature of the fixation system as it is of the initial quantity of complement. Increased sensitivity of the reaction does not yield by higher values of k37 but affords greater precision in its calculation. This approach is identical to the one proposed by Adams for the titration of anti-phage sera.


Some unresolved problems concerning the cochlear nerve. Three types of afferent fibers innervate the hair cells of the organ of Corti: 1) specific radial fibers which establish contacts with a very few neighboring internal hair cells; 2) spiral fibers, each one of which establishes contact with a number of external hair cells distributed throughout long segments of the cochlea; and 3) unspecific radial fibers which are collaterals arising radially at irregular intervals from fibers of the ganglionic spiral bundles and which establish contact with internal hair cells. The existence of spiral ganglionic bundles of fibers oriented apicalward has long been described, and the fact that a number of ganglionic spiral fibers give off radial collaterals to innervate internal hair cells was illustrated by Cajal and by Lorente de Nó. However, those structural details are not mentioned in the modern literature. In the ventral nucleus there are neurons with efferent axons which join the trapezoid body and cells with short axons ramified within the ventral nucleus itself. Two types of cells with efferent axons are illustrated and described, the spherical or bushy cell and the basket cell; and it is shown that branches of division of the two types of efferent axons form association tracts which end in the tuberculum acusticum. Also, the fact is illustrated that fibers having their cells of origin in that tuberculum form association paths which end in the ventral nucleus by means of extensive ramifications which form numerous synaptic endings. The dendritic and fibrillar plexuses in the ventral nucleus are described, an analysis is made of the relationships between the two plexuses and of the synaptic junctions that mediate transmission of nerve impulses. The synaptic junctions belong to a considerable number of types and in all illustrations the important fact repeatedly appears that one and the same fiber may form synaptic endings of widely different sizes and shapes located either on the same neuron or, more frequently, on different neurons. The intimate structure of each type of synaptic ending cannot be revealed by light microscopy, but only light microscopy can reveal to which kind of fiber the synaptic endings do belong. The presentation is concluded with a brief and preliminary discussion of physiological corollaries of certain general features of the anatomy of the acoustic system.


Physiological basis of cochlear transduction and sensitivity. Experiments were conducted in the guinea pig cochlea and the Xenopus laevis lateral line organ to obtain information about the electrical impedance properties of the cochlea, the sources and characteristics of the cochlear potentials, and to determine if hair cells are electrically excitable. The significance of the resting and evoked cochlear potentials in the transduction process leading to excitation of the acoustic nerve fibers was evaluated by comparing the results of electrophysiological experiments with the prediction of a model of the cochlea designed after the mechanoelectric theory of hair cell function. The results of these experiments 1) were compatible with the prediction of the mechoelectric theory of cochlear function; 2) made it possible to estimate and compare the energy dissipated in generating and maintaining the cochlear potentials with the stores of biochemical energy available in the cochlea; and 3) showed that the hair cells are electrically excitable, from which it was concluded that interaction between the hair cells is feasible.


Safe level for noise exposure?

Safe level for noise exposure? The safety of long, continuous exposure to several different levels of noise was determined. Chinchillas were exposed for two or nine days to an octave band of noise with a center frequency of .5 kHz or 4 kHz. By examining the inner ear for evidence of acute cellular degeneration, exposures which produced minimal permanent damage could be identified easily. Differences were found between the two bands of noise in the level required to produce injury, and the type, location and extent of damage which occurred as the level was increased. The findings help explain why exposure to industrial noise, which is generally low frequency, first produces measurable auditory changes for high frequency tones.


Degeneration patterns in human ears exposed to noise. Various forms of sensorineural degeneration patterns related to noise exposure are illustrated in six pairs of temporal bones selected from a group of 33 male patients with histories of noise exposure. For the entire group the commonest form of lesion, associated with a 4-kHz dip in the audiogram, was a relatively diffuse degeneration in the second quadrant of the basal turn, in the 9-13 mm area. An advanced form of this lesion had a wide gap of more or less complete sensorineural degeneration affecting the entire second quadrant and displaying various degrees of extension toward the apex and base. The pattern associated with an "abrupt high-tone loss," with more or less complete hair cell and nerve degeneration in both the second and first quadrants and extending to the basal end of the cochlea, was rare. In one case this pattern appeared to have evolved from the first type of lesion as the remaining nerve fibers in the first quadrant had degenerated. The protective effect of the acoustic shadow of the head for the right ear, in shooting from the right shoulder, is demonstrated for the higher frequencies. Two almost identical cases of sharply-circumscribed single areas of degeneration in the first quadrant and one case with two such areas represent the third type of lesion. In one of these cases there was a history of firearm usage. It is postulated that this type of lesion is caused by impulse noise. In most of the material the degeneration pattern differed markedly from the diffuse degeneration seen with presbycusis. Degeneration patterns with knife-sharp transitions between completely degenerated and apparently undamaged areas appear to be characteristic of noise-induced injuries.


Ultrastructural cochlear changes following acoustic hyperstimulation and ototoxicity. Using guinea pigs and chinchillas as experimental animals, modes and patterns of sensory cell damage by acoustic hyperstimulation and kanamycin intoxication were compared. In general, outer hair cells were more vulnerable to both acoustic trauma and ototoxicity (particularly in the basal turn) than inner hair cells. However, in kanamycin ototoxicity, the inner hair cells were more vulnerable in the apical coil. Nerve endings and nerve fibers generally were resistant to both acoustic trauma and kanamycin intoxication, and their degeneration appears to be secondary to the sensory cell degeneration. A large number of unmyelinated nerve fibers were seen in both the organ of Corti and the osseous spiral lamina even three months after the organ of Corti had been completely degenerated by ototoxicity. The total number of unmyelinated and myelinated nerve fibers in the osseous spiral lamina far exceeded the scanty surviving ganglion cells in Rosenthal's canal, indicating the possibility of regeneration of these fibers following kanamycin intoxication. The remaining few ganglion cells were mainly type II or type III cells, and a majority of the type I ganglion cells appeared to be degenerated. Signs of strial damage were observed in both acoustic trauma and ototoxicity, but their pattern did not correlate well with that of sensory cell degeneration.


Auditory-nerve activity in cats exposed to ototoxic drugs and high-intensity sounds. The response characteristics of auditory-nerve fibers in normal cats are compared with those in cats exposed to kanamycin and high-intensity sounds. The pathophysiology is characterized by an elevation of the tuning-curve "tips," which is sometimes associated with hypersensitivity of the "tails". Plots of unit thresholds are correlated with patterns of sensory-cell losses in the cochlea. There can be significant shifts in unit threshold without significant loss of hair cells; however, significant hair cell loss is always accompanied by highly abnormal unit thresholds. The presence of inner hair cells seems to be essential for the long-term survival of spiral ganglion cells. An incidental observation is that in the "normal" animal there is almost always a prominent "notch" at 3-4 kHz in the plots of threshold at characteristic frequency, which may have been produced by environmental noise.


Sodium loading of inner ear fluids.

Sodium loading of inner ear fluids. A slow intracarotid infusion of hypertonic sodium chloride solution, 350 mEq/L, and potassium chloride, 5 mEq/L, was used to increase serum sodium chloride over a 90-minute period in 85 cats. A slow, steady rise in serum sodium occurred, which reached almost 208 mEq/L at the end of 90 minutes. A concomitant rise in sodium occurred in the cerebrospinal fluid and perilymph. In contrast, the sodium showed only a transient slight increase in the cochlear and vestibular endolymph. Endolymph potassium appeared to rise in order to balance out the increase in sodium concentration of the surrounding and extracellular fluids. The ratio of sodium to potassium ions in both the endolymph and perilymph compartment remained relatively constant before and after the infusion with hypertonic NaCl. After infusion, the total concentration of ions in endolymph was similar to that of perilymph. These experiments indicate that the endolymph compartment has a built-in mechanism for maintaining a low-sodium concentration while keeping ionic balance with the surrounding perilymph and serum.


Electron microscopic cochlear observations in bilateral Ménière's disease. Electron microscopic study of the cochleas of an individual with bilateral Ménière's disease revealed the presence of many abnormal sensory cells in the apical regions of the cochleas. The pathological alterations were greater in the left ear with the greater hearing loss. There were some giant cilia, fusion of cilia, and loss of cilia. The outer hair cells contained diffuse cuticular bodies near or basal to the nuclei. Many outer hair cells were retracted away from the reticular membrane. The population of the nerve endings appeared normal. The inner hair cells of the apical turns appeared essentially normal. The spiral ganglia were normal in number and morphology at the apical turns, and a majority of their cell bodies were of the unmyelinated or partly myelinated types. The stria vascularis showed atrophy; however, the magnitude of this change was consistent with that known to occur in the aging ear. In the distended areas Reissner's membrane showed areas devoid of mesothelial cells, as well as atrophic epithelial cells. The blood vessels were no different from other human cochlear vessels. These abnormalities seen in the stereocilia, the outer hair cells, and Reissner's membrane are a matter of fact. We must admit, however, that not enough electron microscopic studies have been performed on ears from aging individuals or ears with other pathologies to state that these changes are unique to Ménière's disease. Furthermore, there is currently insufficient knowledge to predict whether these changes affect auditory function.


The combined correlated audiohistogram. Incorporation of the superior ventral cochlear nucleus. The state of the spheroid cells of the superior ventral cochlear nucleus (SVCN) must be accounted for along with that of stria vascularis, hair cells, and spiral ganglion neurons in the development of the combined correlated audiohistogram in cases of sensorineural hearing loss. For the stated evaluation, transverse sections through SVCN are marked off into ventrodorsally progressive zones corresponding to the frequency levels of the audiometric chart, and the loss of spheroid cells in each level is estimated on a percentage basis. The resultant "best fit" of pattern of cell injury with audiometric curve suggests that the anatomic frequency scale of SVCN parallels the logarithmic frequency scale of the standard audiometric chart.


Histopathologic and experimental models for sensory and neural deafness. Six selected cases with neonatal and fetal cochlear pathology are presented. Those denoting cochlear sepsis are: H. influenza purulent labyrinthitis, cytomegalovirus endolabyrinthitis, and aseptic meningitis and labyrinthitis. Those denoting cochlear neural aplasia are Goldenhar's syndrome, left-sided cardiac hypoplasia with partial basal turn neural aplasia, and cerebral cortical and ventricular hemorrhage with modiolar extension. These findings are compared to the fluorocitrate ototoxicity model for neural deafness in the guinea pig. This study suggests hypotheses for viral trophism in the inner ear and neural degeneration of the cochlea as mechanisms for sensorineural deafness.


Hearing loss of a central type secondary to anoxic anoxia. The effect of anoxic anoxia on the threshold sensitivity and amplitude of the responses from the auditory cortex, inferior colliculus and cochlea to acoustic stimuli in guinea pigs was studied. Decay of the amplitude of the responses from the auditory cortex and the inferior colliculus occurs faster and is more severe than that of the cochlea. Recovery of the amplitude of the responses is slower at the auditory cortex and the inferior colliculus than at the cochlea. Loss of auditory threshold sensitivity in anoxic anoxia is most prominent at the auditory cortex. The loss of sensitivity at the inferior colliculus is the next most severe. The loss of sensitivity at the cochlea is negligible. The relative vulnerability of the central auditory pathway to anoxic anoxia as compared to the end organ is demonstrated.


Masking level differences for cochlear and brain stem lesions. Masking level differences (MLD) for 500 Hz pure tones and for spondees were obtained from 48 subjects. Twelve were without otologic or neurologic complaints (normal), 12 had high frequency, noise-induced hearing losses, 12 were diagnosed otologically as having Ménière's disorder, and 12 had neurologically diagnosed central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Results indicated that high frequency, noise-induced hearing losses do not affect MLD for 500 Hz stimuli, but do diminish the size of MLD for speech. Masking level differences for both 500 Hz and spondees were decreased for the Ménière's disorder group. The group of patients having CNS disorders attributed to multiple sclerosis, to inflammatory lesion of the pons, to degenerative processes of the cerebellum and adjacent nervous tissue, or to brain stem cerebrovascular accident had normal hearing according to conventional pure tone and speech testing, but attained smaller than normal MLD for 500 Hz and spondees. These findings agree closely with results obtained in an earlier study and continue to suggest that, given normal peripheral auditory function, MLD tests may have unique value in detection of subtle lesions of the central auditory nervous system.


New developments in evaluating central auditory mechanisms. Five tests are reviewed for their ability to assist in the evaluation of the central auditory mechanism. These are: 1) the Masking Level Difference (MLD); 2) ipsilaterally and contralaterally evoked stapedius muscle reflex; 3) electrocochleography; 4) early brain stem responses; and 5) dichotic listening. A summary chart outlining the tests most commonly in use and their areas of special productivity is also presented.


Effects of removal of the statoacoustic ganglion complex upon the growing otocyst. An experiment was designed to answer the question as to whether or not the neural elements of the statoacoustic ganglion complex have a trophic effect upon the histodifferentiation of the sensory structures of the embryonic mouse inner ear anlage as it develops in vitro. The embryonic inner ear anlage with associated otic mesenchyme and statoacoustic ganglion complex was excised from 11, 12, and 13-day CBA/C57 mouse embryos. The inner ear explants of each gestational age group were further divided into two groups: the first group "A" (with) statoacoustic ganglion was explanted to the organ culture system without further surgical intervention; the second group "B" (without) statoacoustic ganglion underwent further surgical manipulation during which their statoacoustic ganglion complexes were dissected away prior to explantation to in vitro. The explanted embryonic inner ears were allowed to develope in organ culture until the equivalent of gestation day 21 in vivo was reached for each group; then all cultures were fixed and histologically processed and stained by a nerve fiber stain, in combination with a stain for glucoprotein membranes. Each specimen was code labeled and scored for histodifferentiation of sensory structures. Light microscopic observations confirmed that in group "A" cultures, statoacoustic ganglion neurons and their nerve fibers were present in association with the developed sensory structures; neither ganglion cell neurons nor their nerve fibers were found to be present in the sensory structures that developed in the group "B" organ culture specimens. Quantification revealed no consistent trend of greater occurrence of any sensory structure in the groups of explants analyzed. The presence of such a trend would have signified the probable existence of a trophic effect of the statoacoustic ganglion neural elements upon development of inner ear sensory structures in the group "A" explants of the 11, 12, and 13-day embryo inner ear organ culture specimens when compared to the aganglionic group "B" cultures. Microscopic comparison of the sensory structures and their sensory hair cells that developed in the organ cultures revealed no differences in the quality of the histodifferentiation of eithergroup "A" or goup "B" explants. A base to apex pattern of histodifferentiation of the organ of Corti sensory structures, which has been described to occur in vivo, was noted to occur in the in vitro developed cochlear ducts of all of the explanted inner ears without respect to whether neural elements were present ("A") or absent ("B") during development. It was concluded from the quantification of histodifferentiation data and the above observation on the pattern of differentiation of Corti's organ that no trophic effect of neural elements of the statoacoustic ganglion complex influencing the histodifferentiation of sensory structures of 11, 12, and 13-gestation day mouse embryo inner ear explants as they differentiate in vitro could be demonstrated.


Radiologically detected collaterals and regional myocardial flow responses to ischaemia in ischaemic heart disease. By employing 133 Xenon injections and a gamma camera recording of the initial uptake and subsequent disappearance of the tracer, regional myocardial perfusion rates were determined in 38 patients with ischaemic heart disease. Areas supplied by collaterals and areas devoid of them were analyzed separately. In addition to determining basal flow rates, the regional perfusion was studied by repeated 133Xenon scintigrams during pacing-induced ischaemia. The data were grouped and analyzed according to the visual assessment of collateral response as observed in the angiograms performed under the same circumstances. Eleven patients who did not have collaterals on their angiograms were excluded, as were three patients in whom the collaterals were supplying segments distal to only subtotal obstructions leaving 24 patients to the study proper. Angiographic appraisal disclosed two different responses to ischaemia: ten patients exhibited an increase in the collateral pattern (responders) and 14 patients showed no change or reduction in the collaterals (nonresponders). The prepacing grading of the collaterals was similar in the subgroups. Under basal conditions the regional myocardial flow rates in areas supplied by collaterals or devoid of them were roughly similar. Upon ischaemia the greatest regional flow increment occurred in the responders. The data demonstrate a reasonable agreement between the visual assessment of collateral response to ischaemia and a change in the regional perfusion. The data further indicate that similar collateral patterns observed by routine coronary angiography are not functionally equipotent.


Anaesthesia for cardioversion: immediate haemodynamics in patients anaesthetized with thiopental or althesin. Immediate haemodynamic changes during electrical cardioversion were compared in 30 patients anaesthetized either with thiopental or with Althesin. The systolic arterial pressure, heart rate, stroke and cardiac indices were measured before atropine premedication, after atropine, during anaesthesia, and 3 and 10 minutes after defibrillation. The stroke index was estimated by transthoracic impedance method. Both anaesthetics caused a significant but similar decrease in systolic arterial pressure. The cardiac index remained relatively stable in both groups during all stages of the procedure. Atropine induced an expected increase in heart rate and a decrease in stroke index. while both variables tended to approach the baseline values after cardioversion with no difference between thiopental and althesin groups. No significant difference in the haemodynamic response to cardioversion was seen in patients with heart volumes exceeding 650 ml/m2 BSA as compared to those with smaller hearts. It is concluded that both thiopental and althesin can be considered as safe anaesthetics for cardioversion.


Family studies in dermatitis herpetiformis. Six families were studied which included 11 members with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) and three with coeliac disease (CD). Proximal jejunal biopsies performed on 20 relatives revealed villous atrophy in eight. Of these eight, two, both siblings of patients with DH, had a history of juvenile CD. Determinations of histocampatibility (HLA) antigens showed that HLS-B8 occurred in all six families although two patients with DH and one relative with a history of juvenile CD lacked this antigen. In one family the haplotype A1,B8 was associated with DH, villous atrophy, juvenile diabetes and Addison's disease. Skin biopsy failed to reveal IgA in any of the 44 relatives studied for this immunoglobulin. Antireticulin antibody was detected in the sera of seven (17%) relatives.


Association of precipitating anti-adrenal anti-adrenal antibodies with moniliasis-polyendocrinopathy syndrome. The association of precipitating anti-adrenal antibodies with different subgroups of idiopathic Addison's disease were studied. We had previously found these antibodies in patients with the moniliasis-polyendocrinopathy syndrome. Sera of 36 adult patients suffering from different froms of Addison's disease were examined for the presence of adrenal antibodies demonstrable either by immunofluorescence (IFL) or by gel diffusion. 3 of the 17 patients with tuberculous and 17 of 19 patients with idiopathic Addison's disease had IFL antibodies but only one had precipitating antibodies. There was one typical case of Schmidt's syndrome, and four additional cases with Addison's disease combined with diabetes or thyroiditis, who may later develop the syndrome. None of htese patients had precipitating anti-adrenal antibodies. The only patients with precipitating adrenal antibodies had the moniliasis-polyendocrinopathy syndrome. He was not typical as Addison' disease appeared unusually late and he did not have hypoparathyroidism. The presence of precipitating anti-adrenal antibodies in this patient, and the absence of these in other groups of Addison's disease, is further evidence for the association of precipitating antibodies with the moniliasis-polyendocrinopathy syndrome.


Change in hormones reflecting sympathetic activity in the Finnish sauna. The effects of the high temperature (80-120 degrees C) of the Finnish Sauna bath on the concentrations of growth hormone, immunoreactive insulin and renin activity in plasma, on blood glucose and on the urinary excretion of aldosterone, vanilmandelic acid and sodium of 55 healthy volunteers were studied. There was a significant increase in mean heart rate (62%), serum growth hormone (142%) and plasma renin activity (95%) in the Sauna. One hour after the Sauna bath the mean serum growth hormone had returned to the control level while plasma renin activity still remained higher (p less than 0.05) than before the Sauna bath. The serum insulin, blood sugar and urinary excretion of aldosterone and VMA did not change during or after Sauna bath. The urinary sodium excretion decreased significantly after the Sauna bath and the decrease was most striking (46%) during the first 6-hour period from the beginning of Sauna bath. Plasma renin activity values correlated positively with 12-hour urinary VMA excretion (p less than 0.01) and negatively with 6-hour urinary sodium excretion (p less than 0.05) before and after Sauna, suggesting the role of catecholamines and sodium depletion in renin response in Sauna.


Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the breast. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the breast was perfomred in 503 cases which were subsequently examined histologically. There were 192 cases of cancer and 311 benign lesions. The cytological technique consisted of fixation in 50% ethyl alcohol, Millipore filtration and Papanicolaou staining. Of the 192 malignant lesions, the aspiration biopsy findings were originally reported as malignant (Papanicolaou Gr. V) in 138 cases (71.9%) and after review of the specimens in 161 cases (83.9%). The figures for strongly suspicious findings (Gr. IV) were 19 (9.9%) originally and 6 (3.1%) after the review, in moderately suspicious findings (Gr. III) 14 (7.3%), respectively. Of the false negative cases four (2.1%) were due to inadequate specimens. In the 311 histologically benign cases malignancy was originally strongly suspected cyologically (Gr. IV) in five (1.4%) and Gr. III findings occurred in 22 suspected cytologically (Gr. IV) in five (1.4%) and Gr. III findings occurred in 22 cases (7.1%). After review, no strongly suspicious findings were left. Gr. III findings numbered nine (2.9%). There were no false psoitive (Gr V) cases in this series. Cytological manifestations are described and some clinicopathological aspects of fine-needle aspiration biospy of the breast are discussed. The orientation period with continuous cytohistological comparisons ie is essential for successful aspiration biopsy diagnosis.


HLA antigens in psoriasis. A family study. HLA antigens were determined in 14 Finnish families with psoriatic members. The pedigrees of all families are presented. The results showed a clear association between HLA B13 and inheritable psoriasis, for all the 14 HLA analysed psoriatic patients in four families had B13. In one family all five psoriatic patients had the haplotype HLA-A10, Bw17; in two other families the association between Bw17 and psoriasis was less obvious. In three families six of the eight children with the haplotype A1, Bw37 had psoriasis. In all these families one parent had psoriasis or psoriatic relatives and the other parent contributed A1, Bw37. It is suggested that Bw37, in association with other genetic factors, indicates a high risk of developing psoriasis. In one family both the father with psoriatic arthritis and the son with post-urethritic Reiter's disease had A2, B27. This haplotype was also possibly associated with psoriatic arthritis in two families.


Psoriatic arthritis and Reiter's disease. HLA antigens in mixed cases. HLA antigens were determined in 25 Finnish patients with both Reiter's disease and skin lesions identical with psoriasis vulgaris. HLA B27 was found in 23 cases (92%) B13 was found in one case, Bw17 and Bw37 were not found at all. The absence of these three "psoriatic" HLA antigens in the present series indicates that the psoriasis-like skin lesions belong to the varying clinical picture of Reiter's disease and not to the HLA linked psoriasis vulgaris.


Studies on fatty acids in pus of psoriasis pustulosa palmo-plantaris. Thin-layer chromatography was used to find out if there were any quantitative differences in fatty acid content in pus from the palmar pustules in ten patients with psoriasis pustulosa palmo-plantaris (PPP) before and after long-term tetracycline therapy. No significant differences were found, indicating that it was not possible to correlate the good therapeutic effect of antibiotics reported in PPP with a decrease in the fatty acid content of pus from the pustles. However, the series was small and investigations are now in progress to establish whether small differences of significance can be demonstrated in a larger series. By combined gas chromatography and mass spectrometry the fatty acids of pus in patients with psoriasis pustulosa palmo-plantaris were analysed. Stearic and palmitic acids were found to be predominant.


Plasminogen activator and histone hydrolyzing proteases in psoriasis scales--possible role in increased cell division. Psoriatic plaque scale was collected from untreated patients, homogenized, and subjected to chromatography on Sephadex and DEAE-cellulose to separate proteolytic enzymes. Five proteolytic enzymes were partially separated and characterized as to their substrate specificities, pH-optimum and inhibitor characteristics. A neutral trypsin-like protease, an alkaline histone hydrolyzing protease and a neutral chymotrypsin-like protease isolated were found to differ from those separated earlier from normal human skin using the same procedures for enzyme purification. The trypsin-like enzyme preparation was found to be an effective fibrinolytic activator and the histone hydrolyzing enzyme showed fibrinolytic activity. The possible roles of these proteases in the increased cell division rate of psoriatic plaque are discussed.


[Hyperlipoproteinemias in psoriasis].

[Hyperlipoproteinemias in psoriasis]. The hyperlipoproteinaemia truly characteristic of psoriasis is the type IV or major endogenous hypertriglyceridaemia. It is found in 39 p. 100 of patients with psoriasis as compared to 18 p. 100 of our controls (though 6 p. 100 of the French population according to Turpin and De Gennes). It appears to be definitely genotypic, environmental factors playing only a minor role. This study would tend to integrate psoriasis into the category of the metabolic diseases, coinciding with the notion of troubles with glucose metabolism in psoriatics, since it is now accepted that 80 p. 100 of type IV hyperlipoproteinaemias are pre-diabetic.


Neurological complications of drug abuse. Widespread drug abuse, a comparatively recent medicosocial phenomenon, presents protean clinical patterns and challenging diagnostic problems daily that mimic classical medical syndromes. However, few reports have delineated predominantly neurologic syndromes associated with drug abuse. Five patients were observed illustrating the critical importance of considering drug abuse in the differential diagnosis of neurologic disease, particularly in the young population. It has been found that attention directed to four sources of information will substantiate the diagnosis of drug abuse in the large majority, thus expenditing the prompt initiation of appropriately directed treatment. In addition  careful history and neurologic examination, a routine screeen of blood and urine should be run for barbiturates, bromides, alcohol and salicylates. An electroencephalogram is highly recommended as an initial study. It is informative, non-traumatic and inexpensive. Low voltage fast activity is consistent with drug effect and usually rules out other metabolic causes of coma. Other diagnostic principles are enumerated and illustrative cases are cited.


[Mucocutaneous Bowen's disease. 243 clinical cases]. The authors studied 243 cases of patients with 269 muco-cutaneous localisations of Bowen's disease. After considering the aetiological factors, the various clinical signs and the pathological associations, they draw histological conclusions. Poikilocarynosis seems to be the most reliable histological sign. They conclude their study with the prognosis and treatment.


Height, weight and menarche in Swedish urban school children in relation to socio-economic and regional factors. During the period 1964-1973, a defined sample of 740 Swedish urban school children (360 girls and 380 boys) from 40 different urban areas all over the country were followed longitudinally. Height and weight were measured twice a year and age at menarche was recorded. Mean ages at peak height velocity (PHV) and peak weight velocity (PWV) were 11-91 years (SD 0-95) and 12-50 years (SD 1-08) for girls with average values of 8-30 cm/year (SD 1-32) and 7-37 kg/year (SD 1-94). Mean age at menarche was 13-05 years (SD 1-03). PHV and PWV in boys occurred on average at 14-09 years (SD 1-11) and 14-30 years (SD 1-11) with magnitudes of 9-84 cm/year (SD 1-40) and 9-07 kg/year (SD 2-04). No significant differences between socio-economic strata defined by father's occupation and family income were found either for height and weight or for ages at PHV, PWV and menarche. Girls but not boys in the lowest social group (III) had more weight for height during puberty than had girls in social groups I and II. Between the three main geographical regions of Sweden some differences were found. Boys in the South were at the ages of 17 and 18 on average heavier than boys from the rest of the country. Boys and girls in the South had PHV, PWV and menarche half a year later than children in Middle Sweden. In analysis of variance for age at PHV significant interaction terms were found for regions times urbanization. In the South and North age at PHV was earlier the higher the urbanization level, but in Middle Sweden the reverse occurred.


A kinetic nephelometric method for the assay of serum C3 and C4. A two-point, fixed interval kinetic, nephelometric method for the immunoassay of serum C3 and serum C4 using a laser-modified, centrifugal fast analyzer is described. The procedure shows a precision of 2.45 percent (coefficient of variation, C.V.) for C3 at a mean concentration of 151 mg per dl and 3.65 percent (C.V.) for C4 at a mean concentration of 26.6 mg per dl. The kinetic method was found to give a satisfactory correlation with a continuous flow immunonephelometric procedure.


Plasma and red cell lipids in sickle cell disease. Lipids, in particular phospholipids, are essential components of membrane systems, and the measurement of phospholipids and cholesterol in plasma and tissues is helpful in diagnosis. Phospholipids represent about 60 to 70% of total red cell (RBC) lipids, while about 25% is free cholesterol. Lipids in RBC are present in a dynamic state of equilibrium, and the RBC have the capacity for rapid exchange of lipids with plasma in several ways. The present study examined the cholesterol and phospholipid levels of plasma and erythrocytes in male patients with sickle cell anemia and in healthy male individuals of comparable age. This was performed with a view to detecting possible differences that might be related to some of the RBC abnormalities which accompany the disease. The results show that plasma lipids are significantly reduced in patients with sickle cell anemia and that RBC cholesterol was higher in sickle cell patients than in normal subjects.


Changes in haemoglobin and haematocrit values in children aged 6 to 13 1/2 years in Mexico City. Levels of haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Ht) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were determined in 523 boys and 350 girls, clinically healthy, ages 6-0 to 13-5 years, middle socio-economic class living in Mexico City. In girls no significant differences according to age were observed in Hb or MCHC; however, Ht was significantly greater at 10-5 than at 10-0 years, without subsequent modifications. In boys, Hb and Ht had a first increase between 10-5 and 11-0 years and a second rise from 12-5 years on: MCHC remained unchanged. Boys were six to twelve months behind girls in regard to Ht increase; however, Ht increased when boys and girls reached similar mean weights (34 kg), heights (138 cm) and surface areas (1-15 m2); concomitantly, they had progressed to stage 2 of sexual development. Clear sex differences began to appear at age 11-5 when boys had higher Hb and Ht values than girls. These data suggest that Hb and Ht changes in these children are not related to chronological age but can be better interpreted if compared to weight, height, surface area or stage of sexual development.


Individual growth in stature: a comparison of four growth studies in the U.S.A. Patterns of growth in stature of subjects from the four major U.S. longitudinal growth studies are compared by means of a two-component model for individual growth. Problems inherent in the comparison of data from independent growth studies, such as those arising from different methods of sampling subjects and scheduling measurements and the occurrence of atypical subjects, are considered and solutions are offered. Statistical tests of the individual growth parameters revealed significant, but small, differences among the samples in the magnitude of the contributions of prepubertal and adolescent growth to mature stature and in the velocity of growth. No differences between samples in the timing of the adolescent component were detected.


Elution of filtered granulocytes for transfusion. Functional and clinical transfusion studies were carried out on granulocytes eluted from nylon filters using ACD Saline solutions and 20% CPD Plasma ACD Saline solutions. Although the average volume of blood and total number of granulocytes filtered were the same, the yield of granulocytes eluted form the filters was 20% greater when 20% CPD plasma was in the eluting solution. Function studies indicated that while the antibacterial capacity of the saline eluted granulocytes was equivalent to that of plasma eluted cells, chemotactic activity was markedly reduced after 24 hours storage in the saline eluted cells. Clinical studies post transfusion also suggest better response from plasma eluted granulocytes.


An overview of the laboratory diagnosis of lead poisoning. Four tests for the evaluation of lead poisoning are reviewed from both the clinical and methodological aspects. Whole blood or erythrocyte lead measurements appear to provide the best means of assessing the bodily burden of lead with electrothermal and Delves cup flame atomic absorption spectorphotometric techniques providing accurate and precise results. Urine lead is less reliable as a screening test for lead poisoning but is excellent for monitoring the course of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) therapy. Atomic absorption methods for urine are made difficult by the variable matrix of urine but satisfactory electrothermal and flame procedures have been described. Erythrocyte delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity is a very sensitive index of lead exposure,--perhaps too sensitive. Analytical procedures for measuring this enzyme are subject to errors and many complicating factors such as lack of stability of the specimen limit the usefulness of the test. Urine delta-aminolevulinic acid is of questionable value as a screening procedure and also is subject to analytical problems.


Associations between polymorphic variety and anthropometric and biochemical variation in two New Guinea populations. During International Biological Programme studies in Papua New Guinea, on Karkar Island and at Lufa in the Eastern Highlands, information on anthropometric, biochemical and genetic characteristics was collected from the same individuals. Use has been made of this special situation to investigate whether any associations exist between genetic markers and anthropometric and biochemical variation. Those found, and which satisfy criteria established to help in distinguishing real from chance associations, include: P with haemoglobin concentration and serum albumin and cholesterol levels; acid phosphatase with serum albumin level and haemoglobin concentration; anhaptoglobinaemia and serum globulin level; haemoglobin J-Tongariki with serum phosphorus level. The associations are discussed in terms of their arising from the direct result of environmental factors modifying gene expression, chance concordance of environmental and genetic variation, or pleiotropy.


ABH secretion in populations of the British Isles. Saliva specimens were collected from 163 Manx and 994 Cumbrian individuals and tested for secretor group. The findings confirm the pattern of variability in non-secretor frequencies reported in populations of the British Isles. A possible explanation for this distribution of secretor groups is suggested. The Cumbrian sample is also examined for intra-regional heterogeneity.


Iodine induced thyroid disease.

Iodine induced thyroid disease. Although iodine prevents goiter, enlarged thyroid glands continue to be detected in subjects, especially children, in spite of adequate iodine ingestion. Iodine may cause goiter in susceptible individuals by inhibiting the organic binding of iodine as is seen in adult asthmatics, neonates born of iodine ingesting mothers and in subjects residing along the littoral of Japan. Myxedema, especially in treated Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease, may also be precipitated by iodine. On the other hand, iodine given to euthyroid subjects in areas of endemic goiter and to subjects with nontoxic nodular goiter may induce thyrotoxicosis by disclosing diffuse autonomously functioning thyroid tissue. An indirect adverse effect of iodine upon the thyroid gland may be manifested by lymphocyte glandular infiltrates and chronic thyroiditis which were sparse or absent in thyroid glands removed from subjects living in iodine deficient areas before iodine prophylaxis and therapy. Not only has the incidence of thyroiditis increased, but the histologic and clinical distinctions between treated Graves' disease and chronic thyroiditis have become indistinct. Experimentally, chronic thyroiditis has been produced in animals following large doses of iodine. Accumulated evidence supports the concept that iodine contributes to the genesis of chronic thyroiditis.


Serum and red cell enzyme polymorphisms in six Amerindian tribes. Data are presented on red cell and serum enzyme types in six Amerindian tribes in Central and South America of whom the Siriono, Chipaya and Jicaque are markedly inbred. The data obtained in three systems (AcP, PGM, 6PGD) show aberrant phenotype and gene frequencies in these three tribes by comparison with other Amerindian populations. Uniformity of the results was observed in the following red cell enzymes: AK, G6PD, PGM2, ADA and LDH.


Menarcheal age in Stockholm girls, 1967. Using the status quo method on 917 girls aged 10-17 years in 1967, mean age at menarche was computed to be 13-09 +/- 0-08 years (SD 1-10). There was no difference in mean age at menarche between girls from different social groups defined by father's or mother's occupation. The menstrual periods evoked severe discomfort in 9 per cent of the individuals. These were on an average significantly younger at menarche than the other girls. The percentage of the girls feeling discomfort during the menstrual periods as well as its intensity increased with time since menarche.


[Development of an automated information retrieval system for the identification of antibiotics]. The basic points in the development of a specialized computer information search system providing ientification of new antibiotics at early stages of their investigation are described. The system of coding the physico-chemical properties of the agents and the spectra of their antimicrobial activity presenting the substance in the information bank is developed. The task of identification is to find in the reference bank according to some specially organized keys such antibiotics which are identical or close by their properties to the substance being identified. Mini-computer of M-6000 type is used as the technical base of the information search  system. Preliminary organization of the bank specified by the coding system markedly reduces the requirements to the computer operative memory.


[X-RAY PHASE ANALYSIS OF THE TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF Act. roseoflavus var. roseofungini]. Crystallinity of tubular structures of Act. roseoflavus var. roseofungini obtained from both the initial culture and the dedifferentiating fructose mutant was shown with the method of roentgen-phase analysis (the difractometric method with ionization registration of reflection)


[Physicochemical parameters of the surface of bacteria and the penicillin-binding capacity in relation to the sensitivity to penicillins and streptomycin]. Development of resistance to penicillins and streptomycin in bacteria results in an increase in the electrokinetic potential changes in the hydratation rate and isoelectric levels of pH. Changes in the physico-chemical properties of the surface of penicillin-resistant Escherichia depends mainly on the accompanying dissociation. The ability of Escherichia to bind labeled benzylpenicillin is shown. Binding of 35S-benzylpenicillin by Escherichia in S-form correlates with sensitivity of the culture to the antibiotic. The penicillin-resistant mutants in R-form bound the antibiotic to a greater extent than sensitive R-cultures. The role of penicillinase in binding 35S-benzylpenicillin by Escherichia was not shown experimentally. Only increased synthesis of the enzyme by the penicillin-resistant mutants was observed. The ability of Escherichia to bind 35S-benzylpenicillin does not depend on the physico-chemical properties of the cell surface and dissociation.


[Effect of lincomycin on a cell culture]. Cumulative and toxic properties of lincomycin evident from increased numbers of pathological mitosis were found on three-fold treatment of various cell lines with the antibiotic in concentrations of 100 or 200 Units/ml for 1.5 years. The toxicity level was not high since the other indices of the mitotic regimen remained unchanged.


[Dependence of the toxicity of the antineoplastic antibiotics rubomycin and carminomycin, on the age and sex of white mice and rats]. Karminomycin was more toxic with respect to 2-6 week mice than to adult animals when administered both intravenously or orally. 5-6 week rats were more stable than adult animals to the effect of karminomycin administered intravenously or orally. Significant species sensitivity to karminomycin was noted. When administered intravenously karminomycin administered intravenously was 2 times more toxic as compared to the oral use in the experiments with adult mice and 23 times more toxic in the experiments with adult rats. LD10 and LD50 of rubomycin administerean in adult animals. LD50 of karminomycin and rubomycin administered intravenously to adult female mice was somewhat lower than that for adult male mice.


[Cross resistance in tumor cells and staphylococci with respect to anthracycline-group antineoplastic antibiotics]. The variants of the tumor cells of Fisher lymphadenosis, strain L-5178 and Staph. aureus resistant to rubomycin simultaneously became partially less sensitive to adriamycin. Sensitivity to karminomycin in the rubomycin resistant strains did not practically change as compared to the sensitivity of the initial strains. Sensitivity to adriamycin and rubomycin in Staph. aureus decreased 67 and 4 times respectively after 7 passages on media with increasing concentrations of adriamycin, while sensitivity to karminomycin decreased only 1.5 times, i.e. remained practically unchanged. After 22 passages of Staph. aureus to karminomycinrubomycin and adriamycin decreased 16, 67 and 33 times respectively. The results of the study may be explained by differences in the changes of the cell membrane permeability due to the drug effect.


[Fluorimetric determination of rubomycin with the boric acid reaction]. A fluorimetric method for determination of rubomycin in the blood, milk and urine of humans and animals in concentrations of 0.04-20 gamma/ml was developed. After protein precipitation from the biological material with trichloracetic acid and the antibiotic was determined by fluorescence of its borate complex in concentrated sulfuric acid (gammaexcitk = 575, gammaflk = 620 nm).


[Comparative data on the formation of complement-binding and hemagglutinating antibodies to penicillin]. Comparative data on production of complement-binding and hemagglutinating antibodies in the process of the antigenic effect of benzylpenicillin under experimental conditions are presented. 30 rabbit antisera and 3 sera of intact animals were studied. The hemagglutinating antibodies were determined in 19 antisera, high and reliable titers of the antipenicillin hemagglutinating antibodies being found only in 8 antisera. The antipenicillin complement-binding antibodies using complex antibiotic antibodies were also found in 19 antisera. The process of antibody production was more pronounced in the complement-binding reaction (CBR). Both types of the antibodies were detected simultaneously in 14 antisera. It is concluded that the CBR with the use of the penicillin complex antigenes on the stroma of the erythrocytes and in combination with the blood serum is a rather sensitive reaction for detection of antipenicillin antibodies.


[Use of Edman's method for splitting actinoidin peptides and aglycone]. Phenylthiohydantoins of amino acids isolated from actinoidine (n-oxyphenylglycine, 3-chlor-4-oxyphenylglycine, actinoidinic amino acid) were prepared. Their spectral and chromagraphic properties were studied. Splitting of the aglycone of actinoidine and the prodlcts of its incomplete acid hydrolysis (peptides Y-Phe and B-Y-Phe) was achieved with the Edman method. Parital structure of tripeptide B-Y-Phe (4NH2-group) was proposed. Tripeptide B-Y Phe constitutes about 80 per cent of the antibiotic aglycone part.


[Penetration of antibiotics into experimental foci of inflammation under the influence of proteolytic enzymes]. The effect of trypsin or chemotrypsin on the levels of benzylpenicillin, ampicillin, oxacillin, kanamycin or tetracycline in the peritoneal inflammation fluid, as well as the effect of trypsin on penetration of these antibiotics into the granulemas of 2 types was studied. It was found that intramuscular administration of the enzymes to animals in a dose of 10 mg/kg resulted in increased levels of penicillins and kanamycin in the inflammation peritoneal fluid. An analogous effect of trypsin was observed with respect to experimental granulemas. The levels of tetracycline in restricted inflammatory foci increased only after intraperitoneal administration of trypsin to rats. Increased penetration of benzylpenicillin into the peritoneal fluid and connective tissue granulema under the effect of the enzymes was observed. The effect of trypsin on penetration of benzylpenicillin into granulema according to Selie did not differ from the effect of the enzyme on penetration of semisynthetic penicillins and kanamycin into it.


[Comparative kinetics of oxytetracycline and oxyglucocycline cotent in tissues of the ENT organs]. The kinetics of oxytetracycline and oxyglucocycline levels (calculated for oxytetracycline) was studied on 80 patients with chronic inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory organs, the antibiotics being administered intramuscularly. After a single injection of oxytetrachcline hydrochloride in a dose of 1500 Units/kg body weight its levels in the blood serum and certain tissues of the ENT organs were rather low. When the dose was 3000 Units/kg the maximum antibiotic level in the blood level reached 1 Unit/ml. The drug was detected in the bacteriostatic concentrations in the blood serum and tissues within 12 hours. When the dose of oxyglucocycline was 1500 Units/kg the rate of its absorption was 4 times higher than that of oxytetracycline absorption. However, the character of its distribution in the blood and tissues of the ENT organs did not differ from distribution of oxytetracycline as dependent on the duration of the injection period. The both pharmaceutical forms had a tendency to some retention of the drugs in the tissues of the palatine tonsils. Because of better absorption and retention in the tonsils tissue oxyglucocycline may be recommended for therapy of inflammatory processes in the lymphadenoid apparatus of the pharynx.


[Antibiotic sensitivity of the causative agents of pyelonephritis in pregnant and puerperal women]. The data presented are evident of the fact that the causative agents of pyelonephritis in pregnant women and puerpera are mostly Ecsherichia. Ilebsiella, Enterococcus and Ps. aeruginosa were isolated not so often. Strains with multiple antibiotic resistance were mainly isolated from the urine. It should be noted that 64 per cent of the Klebsiella strains and 90 per cent of the Proteus strains were sensitive to ampicillin. It should be taken into account in development of rational therapy of pyelonephritis in pregnant women and puerpera.


[Nystatin and amphotericin B sorption complexes with polyvinyl-pyrrolidone in nonaqueous solvent systems]. Complexes of polyenic antibiotics with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) can be used for preparing effective pharmaceutical forms soluble in water and consisting of fine dispersions. Studies were carried out; they are of great importance for revealing the mechanism of polyen interaction with neutral polymers, as well as for development of the technological processes for production of the pharmaceutical forms. The sorption isoterms of PVP with the molecular weight of 10 000 and 35 000 on nystatin and amphotericin B were obtained in the process of precipitation in the system of dimethylformamide-ethylacetate. The constants of the strength of the antibiotic binding with the polymer in a complex were calculated. It was shown that the complex strength increased with a rise in the relative amount of the precipitant in the system. The temperature dependence of the binding strength constant was studied. The process of the complex forming was shown to be exothermic, the activation energy of the complex being 26-30 kcal per a mole of the antibiotic. No significant differences in the binding strength of nystatin and amphotericin B were observed. On the basis of the experimental data, a scheme of the complex structure explaining the binding process by formation of a number of hydrogen bonds between the antibiotic hydroxyl groups and the PVP tertiaryamide groups is proposed.


[Fluorimetric determination of rubomycin]. A fluorimetric method for determination of rubomycin in the blood, milk and urine of humans and animals was developed. After precipitation of proteins from the biological material with 30 per cent trichloracetic acid the antibiotic was recovered from the centrifugate with isoamylic alcohol and the extract was subjected to fluorimetric analysis at gamma-exc-495 and gamma-fi-595 nm.


[Nystatin biosynthesis by inactive mutants of Act. noursei when cultured together]. Inactive mutants of the nystatin-producing organism Act. noursei were selected. When 2 of them were cultivated together, nystatin biosynthesis was restored. The substance or substances restoring the antibiotic biosynthesis was excreted into the culture broth. It had non-protein nature and was stable on storage. Reduction of the nystatin biosynthetic chain proceeded without changes in the cultivation conditions.


[Study of the relationship of growth and morphological differentiation to antibiotic formation in heliomycin-producing cultures]. Relation between the growth of the heliomycin-producing organisms, biosynthesis of the antibiotic and morphological differentiation of the mycelium was studied. The curves of the culture growth were of diauxic nature. The synthesis of heliomycin was parallel to the organism active growth (trophophase). The antibiotic was synthesized in the germinating spores and localized in the areas of active growth and surface structures. The indicator properties of heliomycin were also evident in the organism mycelium. The antibiotic was registered in the young hyphae mainly in an oxidated form timed to the membrane structures. With the culture development heliomycin accumulated in the mycelium in reduced form together with lipids in the form of granules (vacuole structures). Condensation of heliomycin in the vacuoles (granules) started during the 2nd lag-phase, and may be associated with both heliomycin storing and inclusion of detoxication mechanisms. It was shown that heliomycin was consumed in the culture under conditions of starvation. In this case the antibiotic granules disappeared. The connection between the synthesis of heliomycin and the organism active growth, localization of the antibiotic in the areas of active growth, consumption of the antibiotic under conditions of starvation indicate that heliomycin is important for the organism and participates in the processes of growth and metabolism.


[Rate of tetracycline dissolution from tablets and capsules and the biological availability of the antibiotic]. Relation between the rate of tetracycline dissolution from tablets and capsules and the biological acceptibility of the antibiotic in the host was studied. The antibiotic dissolution rate from the pharmaceutical forms was determined in a modernized apparatus "Rotary basket" in water, the speed of the basket rotation was 200 r.p.m. In addition the tetracycline blood levels in patients treated with the drug in the above pharmaceutical forms were estimated. It was found that the rate of the antibiotic dissolution characterized the antibiotic biological acceptibility. A test for the dissolution rate was developed. It may be used for estimation of production batches of tetracycline tablets.


[Pharmacokinetics of rifampicin in experimental animals]. Rifampicin is rapidly absorbed when administered orally. Its high levels were detected during 1 to 3 hours after administration. The antibiotic was preserved in the blood serum in therapeutic concentrations for at least 24 hours depending on the dose used. When used repeatedly, it did not cumulate. Rifampicin easily penetrated into the organs and tissues of the animals, the highest concentrations being observed in the liver and kidneys. The antibiotic was mainly excreted with the bile. The drug pharmacokinetics depended on the animal species.


[Penetration, distribution and retention of chlortetracycline in the body of pregnant rabbits and their fetuses]. Chlortetracycline was administered to the rabbits per os in a single dose of 150000 Units/kg. After 29-30 days of pregnancy the rabbits were sacrificied 1--3--6--9--12--24-hours and 2--3--4 days after the drug administration. Three-four rabbits were examined in every experiment. The antibiotic levels were determined by the agar-diffusion method. It was found that chlortetracycline was present in bactericidal concentrations in all 60 tissues of the rabbits and fetus examined except the rabbits eye lens. In some tissues of the rabbit and fetus chlortetracycline persisted up to 3 and 2 days respectively. The antibiotic levels in the organs, tissues and fluids of the fetus were many times lower than those in the rabbits. The concentration peak in the fetus was attained somewhat later and the rate of the concentration decrease was lower as compared to the same indices in the rabbit. The highest concentrations of chlortetracycline in the fetus were registered in the amniotic membranes, joints, bones, urine and amniotic fluid.


[Comparative effectiveness of ampicillin and benzylpenicillin in generalized forms of meningococcal infection]. Two groups of 49 patients each with generalized forms of meningococcal infection were observed. The patients of the 1st group were treated with ampicillin in a dose of 200-400 Units/kg and the patients of the 2nd group were treated with benzylpenicillin in a dose of 200000-300000 Units/kg of the body weight daily. Comparison of the ampicillin and benzylpenicillin liquor levels showed that benzylpenicillin was more persistent during the whole period between the injections. The indices of the patients' recovery in the groups observed did not differ significantly, which provided a conclusion that ampicillin was clinically effective and may be recommended as an independent etiotropic drug for treatment of generalized forms of meningococcal infection.


[Methicillin penetration into the cerebrospinal fluid of patients]. Penetration of methicillin through the blood-liquor barrier in neurosurgical patients was studied. When administered in a dose of 2 gm the drug penetrated through the barrier in 1/3 of all observations within 1 to 3 hours. Increased liquor pressure in the patients resulted in prolongation of the antibiotic effect in the cerebrospinal fluid. The methicillin levels in the liquor were no sufficient for the growth inhibition of most methicillin sensitive staphylococci.


[Effect of kanamycin on kidney function in children with suppurative, inflammatory diseases]. The effect of kanamycin on the kidney function and the possibility of decreasing its side effect of pyrimidines were studied in240 children at the age of 2 month to 14 years (161 children with acute and chronic osteomyelitis and 79 children with staphylococcal destruction of the lungs). Kanamycin used in doses of 15000 and 25000 Units/kg of the body weight for 6 to 7 days in treatment of the children with staphylococcal destruction of the lungs, acute and chronic osteomyelitis had no nephrotoxic effect. Combination of kanamycin with pentoxyl, pryimidine derivative significantly improved the kidney function, which was evident from the content of the residual nitrogen in the blood serum and increased glomerural filtration. Combined use of kanamycin with pentoxyl promoted a decrease in albuminuria and leucocyturia. The data of the study provided recommendation of increased therapeutic doses of kanamycin, up to 15000--25000 Units/kg of the body weight in accordance with the recommendations under conditions of constant control of the kidney function.


[Effect of industrial contact with penicillin on the immunological reactivity of workers]. Immunological examination of women occupied in production of penicillin revealed a decrease in the phagocytic activity of the blood neutrophiles and the bactericidal properties of the skin, an increase in the quantitative composition of the autoflora of the skin and changes in its biochemical properties. Correlation between the changes in the values of the natural non-specific immunity as dependent on the level of the contact with the antibiotic was shown.


[New species of Actinomadura coeruleoviolacea sp. nov. and its antagonistic properties]. Eight strains of actinomycetes isolated from soil samples were described as representatives of Actinomadura coeruleoviolacea sp.nov. The species was characterized by straight and sometimes branching short chains of spores, smooth spores, blue aerial mycellium and violet soluble pigment. All the strains showed antibacterial activity when cultivated in liquid media. The pigment differed from all known pigments. It is probably a new natural compound.


[Makeup of the tubular structures of a stock culture of Act. roseoflavus var. roseofungini]. The methods of spectral analysis, spectrophotometry, fluorescence and thin-layer chromatography were used for the study of the composition of the tubular structures of the initial culture of Act. roseoflavus var. roseofungini. It was found that they contained a complex of antibiotics (roseofungin and its analogs), Ca, Mg, Na, K, Si and a significant amount of the third non-identified component in the antibiotic complex.


[Subsequent mutagenesis under the action of UV rays in a culture of Actinomadura carminata, a producer of carminomycin]. The succession of some markers on the chromosomes of Actinomadura carminata was shown with the method of successive mutagenesis based on the preferable effect of the mutagen on DNA in the site of replication. The spore germination was synchronized by selection of the spores of the definite size and maintenance at a temperature of 0 degrees. The periods of formation of the highest numbers of morphological and auxotrophic mutants were compared with the time of DNA replication.


[Study of the penicillinase of the plague microbe, the synthesis of which is determined by the R-episome]. Penicillinase produced by a culture of the plague microbe with episomic resistance to benzylpenicillin was isolated and purified. Comparative investigation of the substrate spectrum, Michaelis constant and antigenic properties of the enzymes from the plague and dysentery microbes (R-factor donor) showed that transfer of the R-episome to the new host did not affect the investigated properties of penicillinase the synthesis of which was controlled by this episome.


[Characteristics of the antimicrobial activity of lysozyme]. The antibacterial effect of lysozyme manufactured in the USSR was studied with respect to 1496 pathogenic strains of different microbial species. It was found that the percentage of the organisms sensitive to lysozyme among the total number of the microbes tested was not high and ranged within 1.5-3 except streptococci (21.7 per cent). Significant differences in the minimum bacteriostatic concentration (from 0.0006 to 10 mg/ml) with respect to both different microbial species and organisms belonging to the same microbial species were found. By the level of the antibacterial activity the Soviet lysozyme was not inferior to the Italian preparation. With respect to streptococci the Soviet lysozyme was more active.


[Pharmacokinetics and enzymatic transformations of 35S-lincomycin in the tissues of certain organs]. Pharmacokinetics of 35S-lincomycin was studied with the microbiological and radiometric methods of the antibiotic determination. Significant deviations in the results obtained with the two methods in determination of lincomycin levels in the liver and kidneys were observed. The values obtained with the radiometric method were 10 times higher than those obtained with the microbiological method. Paper radiochromatography of the extracts from the liver and kidneys of the animals treated with 35S-lincomycin revealed the presence of not only 35S-lincomycin, but also a number of the label containing substances, the products of the antibiotic enzymatic transformation. Radiochromatography of the extracts from the brain of the animals treated with 35S-lincomycin revealed several peaks of radioactivity against the back ground of low levels of the label.


[Lysozyme content in the serum and organs of rabbits with a syphilitic infection]. The levels of lysozyme in the serum and organs of Shienshilla male rabbits infected with Nico-s treponema were determined. The studies showed that the lues infection affected the factors of non-specific immunity, which was evident from the changes in the lysozyme titer. Administration of benzylpenicillin resulted in a marked decrease in the lysozyme titer in all cases. The experiments are indicative of advisability of studying the use of crystalline lysozyme in combination with antibiotics for increasing the efficacy of therapy of syphilitic infection.


Effect of dissolved oxygen and Eh and Bacteroides fragilis during continuous culture. Bacteroides fragilis subsp. fragilis was maintained in a chemostat modified for anaerobic conditions to test the effects of dissolved oxygen and Eh on growth. Using a defined medium containing glucose and a dilution rate of 0.16 h -1, a stable population of 3 X 10(9) colony-forming units/ml was present. At this steady state, the pH was 5.6, the Eh was -50 mV, and the dissolved oxygen concentration was 0% atmospheric saturation. The Eh was then adjusted to +300 mV by adding potassium ferricyanide while oxygen was excluded; in this system there were no demonstrable changes from the steady state in viable cells, pH, glucose concentration, or volatile fatty acid production. In other experiments oxygen was introduced into the original steady state at a dissolved oxygen concentration of 10% atmospheric saturation for a period of 6 to 8 h. During O2 exposure, the viable cell count decreased at a rate comparable to the theoretical washout rate for a static bacterial culture. Similar results were obtained with a dissolved oxygen concentration of 25 and 100%. Other effects of O2 exposure included an increase in Eh from -50 to +250 mV, a decrease in glucose consumption, and a decrease in volatile fatty acid production. These results suggest that dissolved oxygen has a bacteriostatic effect on B. fragilis in continuous culture, which may be independent of changes in Eh alone.


Measuring the potential activity of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria. [14C]hydrocarbons were utilized as a means of estimating the hydrocarbon-degrading potential of bacteria in estuarine and marine environments. Evaporation of the hydrocarbons must be considered in estimates of oxidation. Amount of mineralization of [14C]hexadecane can be equated with the total number of petroleum-degrading bacteria and the percentage of the total heterotrophic population, which they represent. Mineralization activity was found to be related to the activity of the bacterial populations during in situ incubation. Rates of mineralization were observed, as follows, for [14C]hexadecane greater than [14C]naphthalene greater than [14C]toluene greater than [14C]cyclohexane. Increased rates of uptake and mineralization were observed for bacteria in samples collected from an oil-polluted harbor compared with samples from a relatively unpolluted, shellfish-harvesting area, e.g., turnover times of 15 and 60 min for these areas, respectively, using [14C]hexadecane.


Enumeration of petroleum-degrading microorganisms. A variety of factors, including concentration of oil, antibiotics, dyes, and inoculum washes, were examined to determine their effect on the total counts of microorganisms on oil-containing media. The media found to be best for enumerating petroleum-degrading microorganisms contained 0.5% (vol/vol) oil and 0.003% phenol red, with Fungizone added for isolating bacteria and streptomycin and tetracycline added for isolating yeasts and fungi. Washing the inoculum did not improve recovery of petroleum degraders. Specifically, silica gel-oil medium and a yeast medium are recommended for enumeration of petroleum-degrading bacteria and yeasts and fungi, respectively. It is suggested that counts of petroleum degraders be expressed as percentage of the total population rather than total numbers of petroleum degraders per se. Incubation temperature and presence of oil was found to influence the numbers of petroleum-degrading microorganisms at a given sampling site.


Heterotrophic utilization of glucose and glutamate in an estuary: effect of season and nutrient load. Uptake of 14C-labeled glucose and glutamate was studied at several sites in Baltimore Harbor, Eastern Bay, and the Rhode River. Levels of uptake of 14C-labeled glutamate, measured over a period of 1 year during September, December, April, May, and June to estimate seasonal effects on heterotrophic  utilization of selected nutrients, were highest in May and lowest in December. In a comparison of visibly polluted and unpolluted sites, the greatest amount of incorporation of glucose or glutamate and the highest Vmax values were observed at those sites where the microorganisms were exposed to varied and higher levels of pollutants, suggesting that Vmax may function as an indicator of relative pollution. Mineralization values ranged from 30 to 43%. A range of 0.44 to 2.32 mumol of C/liter per day was calculated for glutamate uptake.


Byssotoxin A, a secondary metabolite of Byssochlamys fulva. Byssochlamys fulva, isolated from corn, was grown on nutrient-amended shredded wheat medium for 14 days at 25 C. Crude solvent extract from these cultures was toxic to brine shrimp, chicken embryos, and rats. The extract was slightly inhibitory to the germination of of pea seeds, but was nontoxic to ten species of bacteria and one of yeast. One metabolite was isolated, given the trivial name byssotoxin A, and partially characterized chemically and physically.


Variation in colony counts of total viable anaerobic rumen bacteria as influenced by media and cultural methods. Volume and type of medium, carbohydrate concentration, carbohydrate ratios, and inoculum level were investigated as possible factors influencing total colony counts of anaerobic rumen bacteria obtained in roll tubes (18 by 150 mm). Colony counts were lower when the rumen fluid was clarified by centrifugation before inclusion in the medium; however, decreasing the volume of 40% rumen fluid glucose-cellobiose-starch-agar medium (RGCSA medium with 0.025% each of glucose and cellobiose and 0.05% starch, 4 ml per tube) was compared to the clarified rumen fluid medium and non-rumen fluid medium (medium 10) of Caldwell and Bryant (1966), 9 ml of each per tube. Total counts of rumen contents from sheep consuming four different types of rations were higher with the 4 ml of RGCSA medium than with the other two media. Dilution of the basal medium as a result of inoculum volume, as much as 1.5 ml per 4 ml of medium, did not appear to affect total counts. Colony counts and the simplicity of medium preparation and inoculation would favor the present method for routine use in estimating numbers of total viable anaerobic rumen bacteria, especially when large numbers of samples are involved.


Recovery of staphylococcal enterotoxin from foods by affinity chromatography. Extraction, concentration, and serological detection of staphylococcal enterotoxins from foods are laborious and time consuming. By exposing food extracts to an insoluble matrix tagged with specific anti-enterotoxin B, we have been able to recover the toxin from foods in a sensitive and rapid way. After mixing the reagents for 2 h at room temperature, immunoglobulin G antibodies were attached to CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B at pH 8.5 (0.1 M carbonate buffer with 0.5 M NaCl). Sepharose-antibody complex (1 ml) specifically recovered 0.1 to 30 mug of enterotoxin B from 400 ml of food extract (100 g of food) after mixing for 2 h at 4 C. The Sepharose-antibody-toxin complex was washed with 0.02 M phosphate-buffered saline at pH 7.2, and the toxin was dissociated by 2 to 4 ml of 0.2 M HCl-glycine plus 0.5 M NaCl buffer at pH 2.8. The recovered enterotoxin was free of interfering food components and could be detected serologically. Work to couple antibodies A, B, C, D, and E to Sepharose to recover all five toxins in one step is under study.


Co-identity of the refusal and emetic principle from Fusarium-infected corn. The structure of vomitoxin isolated from Fusarium-contaminated corn was proved to be 3,7,15-trihydroxy-12,13-epoxytrichothec-9-en-8-one. This same toxin is responsible for the "refusal phenomenon" exhibited by swine fed contaminated corn. In addition, two new substances believed to be trichothecenes were isolated from naturally infected corn. Vomitoxin was also isolated from rice inoculated with F. graminearium NRRL 5883.


Differences in destruction of cysts of pathogenic and nonpathogenic Naegleria and Acanthamoeba by chlorine. The destructive action of chlorine on the pathogenic Naegleria fowleri and Acanthamoeba culbertsoni, the nonpathogenic N. gruberi, and an avirulent Acanthamoeba isolate was investigated. N fowleri is somewhat more sensitive to chlorine than N. gruberi, whereas the two Acanthamoeba strains are very resistant. This study yields information needed for the destruction of amoebic cysts in drinking water and swimming pools. It also gives some explanation for the occurence of Acanthamoeba strains in these waters.


Preservation of gastrointestinal bacteria and their microenvironmental associations in rats by freezing. The use of frozen rat gastrointestinal tissue samples for both the recovery of viable bacteria and for observation of microbial communities associated with the tissue was investigated. A decrease of 1 log in lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and anaerobes was observed when the numbers of bacteria recoverable from frozen tissue (stored 7 to 9 days) were compared to those recoverable from fresh nonfrozen tissue (zero time control). However, freezing did not appear to decrease the numbers of recoverable coliforms. Tissues, cleaved with razor blades after being frozen and stored for 7 to 9 days, showed bacterial communities situated on the mucosa and in the lumen of gastrointestinal specimens. This freezing technique preserved structures not previously observed in the gastrointestinal tract. This indicates that freezing is a good method to use to study such fragile microenvironments.