[Antiepileptic activity of clonazepam--an antiepileptic benzodiazepine derivative]. Clonazepam, an antiepileptic benzodiazepine derivative was administered into 30 patients mainly with incurable type epilepsy. Results were as summarized below: (1) Clonazepam was effective in 44.4% of 36 cases of seizures. The initial effect was noticed in 55.6%. (2) Clonazepam was proved to have a broad spectrum in its efficacy. It showed the highest rate of effectiveness, 71.4%, on psychomotor seizures. (3) Clonazepam was effective in all 4 cases of the photogenic epilepsy which shows the photosensitivity in the EEG. With the exception of 1 case, the sensitivity in the EEG also disappeared responding to clonazepam. (4) The Jacksonian type of the partial motor seizure disappeared in 2 cases after the administration with clonazepam. (5) The effects of clonazepam of EEG were examined in 24 patients. The abnormality of the basic activity, the diffuse epileptic discharge and the focal epileptic discharge were improved in 29.2%, 61.5% and 66.7%, respectively. In addition, the rate of the clinical effectiveness was high in the cases with the centrencephalic discharge. (6) Side effects were observed to have appeared in 38.9% of the patients. They were mostly drowsiness and ataxia. (7) Based on the above-mentioned results, it can be claimed that clonazepam is effective on psychomotor seizures, photogenic epilepsy and the secondary type of generalized convulsion (Jacksonian).


[RI cisternography with 111-In-DTPA].

[RI cisternography with 111-In-DTPA]. In contrast to 169Yb-DTPA the usage of 111In-DTPA, a new radiopharmaceutical, is not as yet popular for RI cisternography. This report deals with a comparative study of these two radiopharmaceuticals for RI cisternography. For the past one year 301 RI cisternography. For the past one year 301 RI cisternographies were performed in 160 cases at the Neurosurgical Survice of Shizuoka Rosai Hospital. Among those 169Yb-DTPA was used in 137 occasions, 111In-DTPA in 53, and both 169Yb-DTPA and 111In-DTPA in 30. The results of this study were as follow. 1. 111In-DTPA was chemically stable in intrathecal administration. 2. A reactive fever was minimal with 111In-DTPA if any. 3. There was no adverse reaction, such as aseptic meningitis, following 111In-DTPA cisternographies. 4. The effective half-life of 111In-DTPA was 16 hours, and that of 169Yb-DTPA 22 hours in this series. This means the men were exposed to radioactivity less with 111In-DTPA than with 169Yb-DTPA. 5. However, there was no difference in diagnostic value between these two radiopharmaceuticals, even 48 hours after intrathecal administration. From this study 111In-DTPA appears to be more suitable for RI cisternography than 169Yb-DTPA.


[2 cases of unilateral hydrocephalus developing in the fetal period]. Dilatation of the lateral ventricle may occur as a result of unilateral hydrocephalus with obstruction of the foramen of Monro. Two cases with congenital dilatation of unilateral ventricle are presented, in which no obstruction of the foramen of Monro was demonstrated. The patients had infantile spasm, asymmetry of the skull and face, and contralateral hemiparesis. Angiography showed embryonal type of the middle cerebral artery. These findings suggest probable presence of active unilateral hydrocephalus in the fetal period.


[Histopathological findings of the nerve and muscles in familial primary amyloidosis, with special reference to the mechanism of amyloid fibril production]. T. I., a male aged 38, had a hereditary primary amyloidosis over four generation in his family history. He had peripheral neuropathy with dissociated sensory disturbances in the lower limbs, impotence, gastrointerstial dysfunction and orthostatic hypotention. N. suralis and M. quadriceps femoralis taken from him were examined by light and electron microscopy. N. suralis contained a lot of amyloids reacting with congo-red in the nerve fibres. Amyloid fibrils were remarkably observed around the blood vessels. They were continuous with the basement membrane of the endotherial cells. A few deposites were observed around the Schwann cell and fibroblasts. In M. quadriceps femoralis, amyloid like fibrils were noted in the perivascular spaces. Especially, a great deal of amyloid fibrils were continuous with the basement membranes. From this finding, it might be speculated that the basement membrane may play an important role in the production of amyloid fibrils.


[Experimental study on epilepsy using a "kindling preparation". Correlation between septal seizure development and psychomotor seizure]. The seizure development was investigated in seven septal kindled cats for examining a participation of septal area in psychomotor epilepsy. Daily electrical stimulation (mean: 33.5 days) of septal area could lead to the "kindled" generalized convulsion. Six stages of behavioral seizure development were distinguished: 1) attention reaction, 2) the above and immobility, 3) the above and autonomic manifestation, 4) the above and facial twitching, head nodding, 5) the above and tonic extension of contralateral forepaw, 6) the above and generalized clonic convulsions. Self-sustained after-discharge and independent interictal spike discharge appeared in the hippocampus in stage 2 or 3, in the amygdala and the globus pallidus in stage 3 or 4, and also in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus in stage 5. Positive transference phenomenon was confirmed in bilateral hippocampus, amygdala and globus pallidus. These findings show the progressive dissemination of secondary epileptogeneses in these secondary brain structures during the septal seizure development. Electrographic and behavioral seizure development mentioned above were completely identical to those in the hippocampal seizure that we have reported previously. It is concluded that psychomotor epilepsies may not only be triggered by the hippocampal and amygdaloid foci but by the septum and its related structuresfoei.


[Cerebellar hemangioblastoma with multiple aneurysms]. We have reported a case of cerebellar hemangioblastoma in a 50 year-old Japanese female in which bilateral kidney and ovarian cysts, adrenal adnomatus hyperplasia, and erythrocytosis were observed. Futhermore, an aneurysm not initially observed was detected by cerebral angiography done 23 months after tumor extirpation. We have evaluated the relationship between cerebellar hemangioblastoma and concurrent multiple aneurysms with reference to reported cases.


The standardization of terminology of lower urinary tract function. The terminology of lower urinary tract function will be standardized by the ICS. This report contains the recommendations dealing with urinary incontinence, procedures related to the evaluation of urine storage (cystometry, urethral closure pressure profile) and units of measurement.


[Neurochemical aspects of corrective effect of fluoracizine in triphthazine-induced catalepsy in rats]. Following introduction of triftazine (2 mg/kg) and phthoracizine 8 mg/kg, separately and in combination, the intensity of catalepsy, the content of dopamine, norepinephrine (fluorometrically), of acetylcholine (biologically) and the activity of cholinesterase (calorimetrically) in the caudate nuclei and the frontal part of the cortex were determined in rats. It was established that with its one-time administration phthoracizine, while keeping down the intensity of triftazine-induced catalepsy, prevents, at the same time, the development of a number of biochemical effects, viz. there appears a distinctly pronounced tendency toward mormalization of the dopamine, acetylcholine levels and of the cholinesterase activity. A multiple joint administration of the drugs is also attended by lowering the intensity of catalepsy. Then, biochemical changes manifest themselves in more complex interrelations.


The challenge: PSRO and optometry.

The challenge: PSRO and optometry. Professional Standards Review Organizations (PSRO) will be reviewing services rendered under Medicare/Medicaid and Maternal and Child Health. The United States has been divided into 203 PSRO areas. In states with three or more PSROs, a statewide Professional Standards Review Council will be set up. A national Professional Standards Review Council advises the Secretary of HEW and Congress on the progress of the PSRO program. Norms, criteria and standards will be used in the PSRO review process. It is hoped that the PSRO system will be able to improve the quality and cost effectiveness of health care being paid for by the Federal government.


PSRO's and optometry.

PSRO's and optometry. Public Law 92-603 is reviewed and reference made to sections where optometry can be involved. A guide to the development of a program for inclusion in the PSRO program is discussed and a challenge to the profession is issued.


Critical closing pressure in the fetal vessel of the human placenta in vitro. II. Compared effects of a beta adrenergic substance, Salbutamol, on the critical closing pressure and vascular resistance. Salbutamol effects upon the fetal vessels of the human placenta were studied in vitro, comparing the changes induced upon the critical closing pressure (CCP) and viscous resistance (R). Four normal full-term placentas were used. In each of them, 4 cotyledonary areas were perfused, thus obtaining a total of 16 measurements for the observation of spontaneous variations (blank), by perfusion with Krebs solution, and the same amount for the variations due to Salbutamol. The concentration used was 10 microgram/ml, with a 4.25 ml/min flow. The relative effect of Salbutamol upon CCP was its decrease--30.4% against a relative spontaneous variation of --3.6%. The mean relative effect upon R was much lower, --9.4%. against a mean relative spontaneous variation of + 3.3%. The advantages of using CCP instead of R as a parameter of vascular contractility are discussed. Furthermore, Salbutamol is suggested to be useful in improving fetal placental circulation.


Effects of oxamate, an inhibitor of lactate dahydrogenase, upon the spontaneous or oxytocin-induced motility and over pyruvate levels of uterine horns isolated from ovariectomized or estrus rats. The stability with time of the spontaneous as well as the oxytocin-triggered functional activity of uterine borns isolated from induced estrus rats and immersed in a medium with lactate as the substrate was not affected by the presence of oxomate (an inhibitor of lactate dehydrogenase) at 10 or 20mM. On the contrary, the oxytocin-driven and the spontaneous motility of preparations obtained from 15 days castrated rats diminished significantly following in addition of the enzyme inhibitor. Furthermore, uterine borns from ovariectomized animals injected with 17-beta estradiol, regain the lack of functional sensivity towards oxamate. In addition, determinations of pyruvate levels in homogenates of uterine tissue, previously suspended in lactate medium (as in the functional experiments), demonstrate to be significantly reduced, following oxamate. Several possible reasons, attempting to explain these findings, are discussed.


Modifying effects of inactivated bovine serum on the acute toxicity of methylmercuric chloride in cells cultured in vitro. Dynamics of the killing of Ehrlich's murine ascites tumor cells by methylmercuric chloride, MMC, were investigated. Thresholds in the killing action of MMC were observed in the MMC treatment concentration, but not in the MMC treatment time. Inactivated bovine serum protected the E-cells from killing by MMC in vitro. The apparent MMC toxicity was reduced as the serum concentration increased, but remaining partially at high concentrations. Thus the serum increases the threshold for MMC toxicity. It was confirmed that the mode of action, observed as the kinetics of the acute lethality by suspicious substances, could be examined promptly on the mammalian cell level by the present experimental system.


[Endurable grip strength of office workers classified by job and age (author's transl)]. The authors have measured the power and endurable grip strength by five times repetition at five second intervals on post-office clerks (indoor service and outdoor service) and the personnel of harbor construction office (office workers and crew of dredger). The results are as follows: 1) Grip strength (power: higher value either at the first or the second grip) has negative correlation with age. 2) Endurable grip strength (endurance: subtract lower value either at the fourth or fifth grip from the grip strength) of the indoor mail clerks and office workers has no correlation with age, but that of the others (the outdoor service and crew of dredger) has negative correlation with age.


Ricinus communis toxin-mediated inhibition of protein synthesis in cell-free extracts of a toxin-resistant variant mouse lymphoma cell line. Ricinus communis agglutinin II (RCAII, ricin, toxin) at low concentrations inhibits protein synthesis in cell-free extracts, but not in intact cells, of an RCAII-resistant mouse lymphoma variant cell line. The concentration dependence of the inhibition by RCAII was the same in cell-free extracts of both RCAII-resistant variant and RCAII-sensitive parental cells, while intact parental cells are 250 times more sensitive to RCAII toxicity. The onset of RCAII inhibition of cell-free protein synthesis was extremely rapid in both cases, being complete in a few minutes. Under these conditions RCAII inhibits protein synthesis in intact RCAII-sensitive parental cells, but maximal inhibition requires several hours to occur. These results support our previous electron microscopic observations that the variant cells are defective in the uptake of RCAII by endocytosis at low toxin concentrations.


[Chorionepithelioma and disgerminoma in a 14-year-old girl]. A 14-year-old girl was operated on for an ovarian tumour, the size of a human head, which was twisted, necrotic, and ruptured. The histopathologic finding was chorionepithelioma et dysgerminoma ovarii. The girl died two months and a half after the onset of the first complaints. The case is presented with all relevant details.


[Morphogenetic function of the nuclei in the early development of the common freshwater snail, Limnaea stagnalis]. The early embryos L. stagnalis were placed in the actinomycin solution at the successive developmental stages. The permeability to actinomycin was previously increased by the pricking through egg capsules. The inactivation of nuclei by actinomycin up to the stage of 12 blastomeres resulted in the arrest of development at the 22 cell stage. The inactivation of nuclei at the subsequent development stages resulted in the developmental arrest at later stages. These data suggest that the embryonic development up to the 22 cell stage is provided by the nuclear function during oogenesis. The morphogenetic nuclear function of the embryo begins at the stage of 12 blastomeres and provides the embryonic development beyond the 22 cell stage.


[Changes in the monoamine content in different parts of hypothalamus depending on the stages of the estrous cycle]. Fluorimetric determination of monoamines in various regions of the hypothalamus and at different stages of the estral cycle in rats showed that the serotonin, noradrenaline, and particularly dophamine content changed both in the course of the cycle and at different time (10, 15 and 18 hours) of the same stage of the cycle. Dophamine concentration in the arcuate area--the centre of the tonic activity--reached its maximum at 18 hours of the diestrus-2 (D2) and fell to the minimum at 10 hours of the proestrus (P). Noradrenaline level in the preoptic area increased at 18 hours of the D2 and fell at 10 hours of the P. It is supposed that in the hypothalamic regulation of the estral cycle at least two monoamines (dopamine and noradrenaline) took part; the trigger role belongs to noradrenaline of the preoptic area (the cyclic centre).


[Effect of L-dopa on the gonadotropic function of the pituitary gland]. Chronic experiments were conducted on female rats. It was shown that administration of noradrenaline precursor l-DOPA in a dose of 20 mg/kg for a period  of 2 weeks led to the premature sexual maturation of the sexually immature rats, depressed the estrus, but increased the percentage of ovulations in adult rats with a normal cycle, restored the ovulation in 50% of rats with irregular anovular cycle and altered the correlation of the sexual cycle phases and the FSH and the LH level in the hypophysis. Administration of l-DOPA to rats with a spontaneous estrus restored the normal sexual cycle and ovulation in them. Prolonged administration of l-DOPA; (for 3 to 4 weeks) in a dose of 20 mg/kg and also the use of higher doses (100 mg/kg) produced a depressive effect on the gonadotropic function of the hypophysis.


[Change in the estrous cycle of mice under the effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha]. It was shown that specific reception in female mice to prostaglandine F2alpha maturated in the process of ontogenesis since the vaginal reaction and the weight of the reproductive organs in the immature female animals failed to alter under its effect. In the sexually mature mice prostaglandine F2alpha arrested the course of the estral cycle and caused an untimely occurrence of the next estrus for a more prolonged time than normal, irrespective of the phase of the estral cycle during which it was administered.


[Comparison of 2 in vitro methods of titration of antibodies neutralizing the classic swine plague virus]. Swine fever virus neutralization have been studied by the following method: variable plaque forming units numbers are mixed with a predetermined serum dilution. Infectivity is measured before (VO) and after (Vr) neutralization reaction. Neutralization index (N.I. = logVo/V) represent the difference between the two titers. It had been demonstrated that mass law is a good approximation to describe swine fever virus neutralization. So the most useful form in which to express the relation between N.I. and dilution logarithm (log D) is NI = NIo--K log D (I) where K is the constante corresponding to the slope of neutralization curve. A sligh K variation is observed according to immunoglobulin classes sharing antibody activity. Average K value is equal to 3. NIO is the NI obtained when extrapolating the curve to log D = o. These results have permitted to compare the two seroneutralization methods commonly used: "constant serum" method and "variable serum" method (determination of serum dilution inhibiting 50% of infectivity: D50). From formula (I) the following relation can be obtained: see formular. Theoretical and experimental log D50 values were appromaximatively the same (difference inferior or equal to 0.3). So D50 can be calculated by both methods.


A preliminary fertility appraisal of exotic cattle herds. The fertility of 754 cows and 13 heifers in 4 government and several private herds of exotic milk and beef breeds in Uganda were studied using information originated from the records of genital examinations conducted during a period of 15 months. The pregnancy or in-calf rate in these animals ranged between 59.2% (private farms) and 85.3% (government farms). The proportion of cows not inseminated by three months after parturition varied between 50% (government farms) and 92.9% (private farms). The average number of days open was 119.07 to 249.51 in government farms and 187.43 days in private farms, the index of artificial insemination ranged between 1.5 and 3.18. Clinical examination revealed that inactive ovaries (52.9%) and normal cyclic changes (24.5%) were the main disturbances in cows with fertility problems. A smaller percentage was attributed to cystic follicles, endometritis, and others.


The effect of light stimulus on Pekin ducks in the subtropics. Effect on the reproduction. Experiments were carried out to study the effect of an extended light period (natural, gradual, and abrupt) on the semen characteristics, fertility, and hatchability of Pekin ducks. The results obtained can be summarised as follows: 1. Night feeding has no reliable effect on the semen production and characteristics in drakes. Thus, any improvement in the semen characteristics of different treated groups compared to the control may be traced back to light stimulus only. 2. Light stimulus showed a favourable effect on the semen volume and sperm motility, concentration, viability and normality during the two laying seasons. 3. Subjection of ducks to artificial light had a favourable effect on their fertility and hatchability.


[The coelom and its lining as organoblastema]. Dissent in the description of the walls of the serous cavities in the thorax has led to an investigation of the origin of these serous walls in man. The macroscopical and microscopical observations in human dissected and sectioned material not only solved this contradiction, but also suggested, that the development of the coelom is a more complicated process than is presumed in the literature. On one side our observations are confirmed, on the other side they are contradicted. Therefore, we decided to follow the development of the coelom conscientiously, step by step. A pilot study of embryonic stages in the mouse pointed out that in this laboratory animal very similar processes take place, and that in very young stages the coelomic wall consists of epitheloid cells. Studying the behaviour of these epitheloid cells in embryonic stages in the rat, it appeared that the development of the coelom must not only be looked upon as an outgrowth and a modification of a cavity, but as an outgrowth and a modification of an organ, which consists of a cavity surrounded by its own specific wall. It is evident that the cells of this coelomic wall determine the outgrowth and the modification of this coelomic organ, which can be considered as a blastema for various organs in the thorax.


[The azygos system].

[The azygos system]. The great variety of anatomical dispositions of the azygos system explains its facility of adaptation. The second lumbar vein is able to play a buffer role between the caval systems or, conversely, is able to direct venous flow to a preferential system. In case of portal hypertension, an inferior omphalo-azygos flow by the right ascending lumbar vein was noticed. Finally, the left venous system may either be the major element of the azygos system (mainly by a big ascending lumbar vein) or be divided in 2 distinct streams to the azygos venous trunc. The final disposition of the azygos system seems to correlate well with a progressive evolution towards an unique trunc, linking directly the two caval systems (this being confirmed by foetal data). Practically, the study of the arterial and venous relations of the azygos crossing have interesting applications in surgery.


[H1- and H2-receptor sensitivity to 3-(beta-aminoethyl)-1,2,4-triazole derivatives]. Histamine-like derivatives of 3-(beta-aminoethyl)-1,2,4-trizole were synthetized and subjected to a pharmacological study. The sensitivity of H1- and H2-receptors to these substances was defined by the following tests, viz. in the isolated uterus of a rat, on the isolated atrium of a guinea pig and measurements of the blood pressure nn a cat. The derivative 3-(beta-aminoethyl)-5-amino-1,2,4-triazole (IEM-813) affects predominantly H1-receptors, while 3-(aminoethyl)-5-amino-1,2,4,triazole (IEM-759) has the closest affinity for H2-receptors, The authors presume that corresponding zones of histamine recpetors differ in their lyophilic and hydrophilic properties.


[The antistreptolysin activity of lysozyme]. The action of O-streptolysin on rabbit red corpuscles is inhibited by lysozyme, whereas the enzyme has no effect on termostable cytotoxic fraction of the toxin. Moreover little amounts of lysozyme canhance the anti-streptolysinic titers of human immune sera. These findings and the relationship between the biological activities of O-streptolysin are discussed.


Melatonin inhibition of reproduction in the male hamster: its dependency on time of day of administration and on an intact and sympathetically innervated pineal gland. The daily s.c injection of 25 microgram melatonin (MEL) in oil into adult male hamsters at 7 p.m. (lights on 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.) for 50 days caused involution of the tests, coagulation of gland and seminal vesicles and depression in pituitary prolactin (Prl) levels. Similar injections of MEL given at 9 a.m. completely failed to cause regression of the sex organs or a depression in pituitary Prl levels. Injections of MEL in the p.m. were completely ineffective in inhibiting either the growth of the gonads and adnexa or the pituitary Prl levels if the animals had been pinealectomized. Likewise, superior cervical ganglionectomy, decentralization of the superior cervical ganglia and anterior hypothalamic deafferetation, procedures which interfere with the sympathetic nerve supply to the pineal gland, negated the ability of p.m. MEL injections to inhibit reproduction in male hamsters. The results indicate that daily MEL injections are capable of suppressing reproductive physiology in male hamsters, but only when the indole is injected late in the light period, in this case, 13 h after light on. The findings also illustrate that daily p.m. MEL injections can inhibit reproduction only in animals that have an intact and sympathetically innervated pineal gland.


Quantitative histochemical studies of the hypothalamus. Dehydrogenase enzymes during the estrous cycle. Three enzymes selected as representative of major metabolic pathways (malic dehydrogenase, of the citric acid cycle, lactic dehydrogenase, of glycolysis and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, of the pentose pathway) were measured by quantitative histochemical methods in individual hypothalamic nuclei during the 5-day estrous cycle of adult rats. Malic dehydrogenase increases significantly from low proestrous levels to a peak at estrus and then declines during diestrus in the following nuclei and areas of the anterior hypothalamus: medial and lateral preoptic, suprachiasmatic, supraoptic, and anterior. Significant peaks of lactic dehydrogenase occur more often during diestrus-3 in hypothalamic nuclei of the middle and posterior hypothalamus, Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase has a biphasic pattern with peaks usually occurring during the diestrous period.


[Labeled mitoses curve in different states of cell proliferation kinetics. 2. Mathematical model with the calculation of transient processes]. The available information about the temporal patterns of labelling and mitotic indices in the same system has been used to develop a general approach to the mathematical simulation of labelled mitoses curve. Such states of cell proliferation kinetics as induced DNA synthesis, steady (in narrow sense) state and diurnal rhythm of proliferative processes are investigated in a greater detail. The principle of a mathematical description of an additional DNA synthesis stimulation coming from the states under consideration is also discussed in this work.


[Relationship between the proliferation waves of the hepatocytes after hepatectomy and the waves of diurnal rhythm of mitotic activity. 1. Dependence of the form of the mitotic wave and the time of attaining its maximal degree on the time of operation]. The diurnal rhythm of mitotic activity (MA) of intact animal hepatocytes and the proliferative wave of hepatocytes after partial hepatactomy at time t0 are thought to appear as a result of formation of an initial proliferative wave, Pk-wave, within the G0-phase at constant moments of the day--time tk+1=tk+TMA(TMA=24hrs/K, k=1, or 2, . . ., or K) under the influence of the regulating system of the organism. Cells of the Pk-wave pass during a short time deltat (deltat less than TMA) from the G0-phase into the transformation phase, and then into the G1-phase. The 1st stimulated proliferative wave is formed at time tk, if tk--TMA less than t0 less than or equal to tk; its intensity depends most likely on the intensity of the corresponding Pk-wave of the intact liver.  It was noted that time t0 of partial hepatectomy was necessary to coordinate with tk, but not with the time of the maximal mitotic activity, and that it was necessary to hepatectomize all animals within the interval from time tk--TMA to time tk. The model was shown to compare well with data by Post et al. (1963), Barbason (1970), and Van Cantfort and Barbason (1972) for hepatocytes of Wistar rats with TMA=8hrs, and tk (k=1,2,3) within intervals (2 a.m.; 4 a.m), (10 p.m.; noon), and (6 p.m. 8 p.m.). The maximal rate of liver generation was observed for all the hepactomized animals with the time of operation being between 8 p. m. and 2 a.m.


[Temporary organization of the processes of cell reproduction in the HeLa culture]. Rhythmical changes of the DNA--synthesizing and dividing cells have been identified in Hela cultures in the stationary phase of the growth. The periods of these changes were not equal to 24 hours. Synchronous quantitative changes of the DNA-synthesizing and dividing cells and the similarity in the length of their frequency periods were observed. The parameters of culture mitotic cycle: T--27--31 hr, tG2min--2hr, tG2+1/2M--4hr, ts--11 hr, tG1+1/2M--12--16 hr.


[Critical periods in the development of spurs in light of the theory of phylembryogenesis]. Two critical periods have been established in the development of spurs representing a derivative of the corneous squama. During the first period the exposure to x-rays results in the development of the corneous squama instead of the spur, and the same exposure during the second critical period completely suppresses the development of the spur. These periods seem to correspond to the truning-points in the chain of morphogenetical processes of the spur formation associated with phylembryogeneses. Department of Embryology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, USSR Acad. Med. Sci., Leningrad.


[Diurnal biological rhythms in the cells of granulation tissue in a liver injury]. Under study were the diurnal biological rhythms in 37 young mature male Wistar rats and in 44 young mature female Wistar rats in the cells of the granulation tissue (fibroblasts) 4 and 9 days respectively after injuring the liver. The animals were killed in groups every 4 h during 1 day, and in the second series--during 2 days. The diurnal rhythm was found in the mitotic activity. The first peak of mitoses was observed at midday and the second one--at midnight. The second peak may be absent. It has been shown autoradiographically that the maximum intensive synthesis of DNA took place at 8'clock a. m., i. e. 4th. before the appearance of the first maximum of mitoses. The most intensive synthesis of proteins and sulphated mucopolysaccharides in fibroblasts took place at 4 p. m.


[Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in rats with neurogenic stress]. A moderate neurogenic stress was induced in adult male rats by crowding for a period of 1 and 7 days. The content of angiotensin I and the activity of renin in the blood plasm aldosterone concentration in the peripheral blood plasma considerably. Seven days after the beginning of the neurogenic stress the content of aldosterone in the blood plasma considerably. Seven days after the beginning of the neurogenic stress the content of aldosterone in the blood and the adrenal tissue was determined radioimmunologically. Crowding of rats for 24 hours led to a marked increase of aldosterone content in the adrenal glands, failed to alter the content of this hormone in the blood, decreased the activity of renin and angiotensin I content in the blood and the adrenal glands of rats proved to fall; as to the activity of renin and the amount of angiotensin I in the peripheral blood plasma - it rose. The problem on the causes of dissociation observed in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in response to the neurogenic stress of various duration is discussed.


Congenital retarded myelinization in a new-born child with infantile spasms. A new-born child with frequent infantile spasms was investigated. In a cachectic state it died at the age of 11 months. Biopsy of the cerebral cortex revealed a retarded myelinization; at autopsy this slight myelinization was found again. The ganglioside pattern suggested a developmental stage of approximately 3 months before birth. This is a case with a congenital failure of myelinization.


Mitosis and cytokinesis in the dinoflagellate Amphidinium carterae. Mitosis and cytokinesis are described in the free-living dinoflagellate, Amphidinium carterae Hulburt. In prophase, invaginations of the nuclear envelope form into tunnels which enclose bundles of microtubules. No centrioles or spindle organizers are present but microbodies are situated at the ends of the bundles of microtubules. The dividing chromosomes are attached to the tunnels, and microtubules connect to the nuclear envelope adjacent to the chromosomes by means of kinetochore-like structures. At anaphase, daughter chromatids are pulled apart as the nucleus extends but there is little change in the pole to chromosome distance. Cytokinesis is brought about by pinching-in of the cytoplasm adjacent to the equatorial region in an area where many microtubules lie under the plasmalemma. The account adds further details to the earlier descriptions of mitosis in other dinoflagellates.


Scanning electron microscopy of the ova of Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni. Ova of Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma mansoni were studied with the scanning electron microscope. Observations on the microsculpture, the excretory groove on the spine, and the mode of miracidial hatching are discussed.


Transurethral or endoscopic ureterectomy. A technique of ureterectomy performed endoscopically in 5 cases, following nephro-ureterectomy for pelvic papillomatosis, without evident ureteric involvement, is described. This technique for its simplicity, speed of execution and innocuity, proved to be of practical utility.


[Problems in the genetics of stress. I. Genetic analysis of the behavior of mice in a stressful situation]. Behavior of progeny of complete diallel crossing between 4 inbred strains of mice (BALB/c, C3H/He, C57BL/6, AKR/J) in a stressful situation was studied. As a model of stressful situation, the open field test was used. A statistically significant influence of genotype on the variability of the behaviour characteristics is found. On the basis of analysis of general combining ability of the strains, a hypothesis is made that in the gene pool of BALB/c and C3H/He strains there are concentrated some genes of additive effect, which increase the strength of emotional reactions of mice in a stressful situation, while in the gene pool of C57BL/6 and AKR/J there are genes of opposite effect. An analysis of the specific combining ability demonstrates that an important role in the control of features characterizing the exploratory activity of mice is played by non-additive gene effects, in particular, the effects of over-dominance. Significant genotypic correlations between the rate of sexual maturation of female mice and their behaviour in stressful situation were observed. The mice which mature earlier are more reactive to the stressing effect of a strange environment.


[Problems in the genetics of stress. II. Genetic analysis of endocrine gland weight in mice under normal conditions and during exposure to stress]. Relative weight of adrenals, thymus, hypophysis and gonads was studied in female mice after 21 days after parturition and in intact males. One group of females was stressed during pregnancy, and another group was intact. All these animals were a progeny of the full diallele cross of 4 inbred mice strains (BALB/c, C3H/He, C57BL/6, AKR/J). On the basis of analysis of general and specific combining ability the conclusion is drawn that the relative weight of the endocrine glands is inherited additively in females of both experimental groups. However, it was found that the size of additive genetic variation for these characters in the population of females, which had been stressed during their pregnancy was larger, than in the control population. A significant role of non-additive genes in the determination of these characters was observed in males. The degree of hypertrophy of adrenals and lysis of thymus in stressed females corresponded to their emotional reactivity. Significant genotypic correlations between the weight of some endocrine glands, on one hand, and the emotional reactivity and the rate of sexual maturation, on the other hand, were found in both experimental groups of females. In the stressed group these correlations were higher.


The comparative effect of prolonged feeding with raw and heated soybean mean on the growth response, pancreatic enlargement and pancreatic enzymes of chicks. Prolonged feeding of chicks with raw soybean meal as the main protein source in the diet resulted in growth inhibition, pancreas enlargement, and increased content of pancreatic proteolytic enzymes. The effect of feeding with raw soybean meal as compared to heated soybean meal upon total intestinal enzymatic activities in chicks was tested. The tendency of chicks to overcome the effects of raw soybean meal is expressed mainly by the increase of biosynthesis and secretion of proteolytic enzymes in the pancreas.


Metabolic acidosis, nitrogen balance and weight gain in preterm infants. Nitrogen balance, urinary NAE and the acid base parameters in the blood of 15 male preterm infants with birth weights of 1000--2370 g (mean 1715 g) and gestational age of 29--37 weeks (mean 33.3 weeks) were determined weekly, in the first six weeks of life. The sum of NAE plus acid retention, as "total acid", was used to investigate the relationship between nitrogen balance, weight gain and acid-base homeostasis. During the first three postnatal weeks, nitrogen intake, urinary and faecal loss of nitrogen as well as the nitrogen retention were rapidly increasing. Later, urinary excretion continued to rise, the intake remained unchanged and as a result, the amount of retained nitrogen decreased slightly. Urinary NAE was steadily increasing to reach the maximum of 2.8 mEq/kg by the fourth week. Acid retention was the most pronounced in the second and third week, thereafter it fell until the end of the study. The importance of NAE relative to acid retention was continuously increasing throughout the observation period. The "total acid" increased gradually and reached its peak value in the third week of life. Subsequently a continuous fall was seen. During the first three weeks of life there was a significant positive correlation between "total acid" and nitrogen intake and urinary nitrogen extraction. Since the increase in "total acid" went parallel with the increasing nitrogen retention, the latter may be assumed to be an additional factor in producing acidosis. Calculated per 100 mg nitrogen ingested, retained or excreted with urine, "total acid" was decreasing with the increasing rate of weight gain. This indicates that the growth process -- irrespective of the postnatal development of renal H+ handling -- is also involved in the elimination of acids.


[Ultrastructure of spermatogenesis and spermatozoa of Emallagma cheliferum Selys, 1875 (Coenagrionidae: Odonata)]. The spermiogenesis in Enallagma cheliferum follows the  usual patterns of differentiation in insects. Thus, the Golgi originates the acrosome; the "nebenkern", the mitochondrial structures that form a long tail with the axonema. The axonema has the configuration 9 + 9 + 2 and around the centriole a centriole adjunt is visible in the immature spermatide. The centriole adjunt differentiates into dense bodies as a "demi-lune" shape in the mature sperm.


Absence of hyperactivity in lead-exposed developing rats. It has been reported that postnatal lead treatment produces hyperactivity in rodents. Using rats, we attempted to extend these findings. Locomotor activity of offspring of lead-intubated and pair-fed control mothers was measured at 24-27 days of age, and no significant differences in reactivity or basal activity were found. Observational scoring of the animals at 28-29 and 35-36 days of age indicated that active behaviors were slightly reduced in the lead-treated rats. The brain lead concentrations of experimental animals were slightly reduced in the lead-treated rats. The brain lead concentrations of experimental animals were significantly elevated over controls. Estimates of statistical power indicated that behavioral effects of the magnitude reported in the literature would likely have been detected. The present results indicate that low-level lead exposure may not reliably produce hyperactivity in rodents. A review of the literature suggests that other data provide little support for a recently proposed rodent model of hyperactivity in children.


Observation of the freeze-drying process of biological materials with a scanning electron microscope. Over the past few decades, numerous studies have been done on the freeze-drying of biological materials from a physical, chemical and biological point of view. Morphological observation of the freeze-drying process of specimens, however, has been tried by only a few investigators. In those studies, thin-layered aqueous specimens, which were sandwiched between two cover slips, were mostly observed with an optical microscope. For ultrastructural and stereoscopic observation, the scanning electron microscope has a great advantage, unlike that of the optical microscope. A specially designed cryo-scanning electron microscope, employed in the present study, made it possible to observe the freezing patterns of the specimens and also the sublimation process of ice in frozen specimens under vacuum. With this specially designed microscope, shrinkage of some specimens due to dehydration during the freeze-drying process was revealed and the extent of such shrinkage was quantitatively determined.


An improved freeze-dried bilirubin preparation. We describe the conditions for successful freeze-drying of bilirubin solutions in the presence of dimethylsulfoxide and human serum albumin. Freeze-dried bilirubin preparations rehydrate readily, rapidly resulting in clear solutions. The preparations exhibit excellent homogeneity and stability at -20 degrees C. Accelerated storage tests indicate that the freeze-dried product would also be stable at higher temperatures but our results do not permit, at the present time, to make accurate predictions regarding the stability at 4 degrees C or 0 degrees C. We believe that our approach will permit manufacturers of bilirubin calibrators for clinical use to improve the quality of their products.


Experimental observations on the integration of bladder and urethral function. Bladder and urethral pressure responses to pelvic sympathetic and pudendal nerve stimulation in 60 anesthetized cats were studied. Results show that urethral resistance is composed of smooth and skeletal muscular components, which relax with pelvic nerve stimulation. Reciprocal inhibition of the detrusor-external sphincter is a spinal-mediated reflex that can be elicited by pelvic or pudendal nerve stimulation. Urethral smooth muscular pressure loss with pelvic nerve stimulation can be blocked with propranolol, suggesting that beta-receptors are involved in this response.


Lead-inducing hyperactivity. Chronic exposure during the neonatal period in the rat. The effects of chronic exposure to low levels of lead via maternal milk during the neonatal period in the rat were evaluated by means of several activity measures, spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze, and weight data. Animals reared at the highest concentrations of lead showed retarded body growth. Lead-treated rats were found to be more active in the Y-maze and in the tilt-box, but not in the running wheel. Lead-treated rats showed lowered spontaneous alternation and increased squealing; results were dependent upon the concentration of lead on which the animals were reared. Activity and alternation data provide suggestive evidence of lead-induced damage of the hippocampus, a structure which undergoes much of its development during the stage in which the lead was administered. Behavioral parallels found between lead poisoning and childhood hyperactivity were discussed with respect to the utility of chronic low level lead administration as an animal model of minimal brain dysfunction hyperactivity.


Some behavioral effects of prethcamide compared with those of its two components. The effects of the two components of prethcamide (namely crotetamide and cropropamide) upon various behaviors in rats were compared with those of prethcamide itself to see if both were active or not and the kind of joint action shown when they were given in combination. Both crotetamide and cropropamide increase the motor activity of rats, reduce the rate of lever pressing in FR and VI food-reinforced schedules and increase the latency times in a multiple CRF-discrimination schedule. When given in combination the drugs show additive effects upon locomotor activity and FR or VI behaviors but they potentiate each other as regards the effects upon latency times in the multiple schedule. On the other hand, a clear antagonism between the two drugs has been found in the acute toxicity test.


The migration of melanoblasts in the extra-epidermal structures of the Silver Campine fowl. The sequence of time and tracking of melanoblast migration has been worked out for Silver Campine fowl. The routes of entry and modes of dispersal of melanoblasts into different tissues have been described. The time and condition of pigment cell differentiation in extra-epidermal tissues is fully accounted.


Post ovulatory follicles of the domestic duck. Histogenesis of the post-ovulatory follicles in relation to the regression process has been studied in the Indian domestic duck. The activities of the alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, sudan black-B and periodic acid Schiff reaction have been demonstrated histochemically. No lutein cells comparable to the mammalian corpus luteum are found. The hypertrophy or proliferation of granulosa cells are not observed in this bird. The functional significance of different histochemically demonstrable material and steroidogenesis in the avian post-ovulatory follicles have been briefly discussed.


Neuroendocrine control of vitellogenesis in the dragonfly, Orthetrum chrysis (Selys) (Odonata: Libellulidae). 1. Histological correlative studies on the cerebral neurosecretory cells, the corpora allata and the oocyte development strongly suggest the involvement of cerebral NSM mostly produced by the A cells of pars intercerebralis and the CA hormone in the vitellogenesis. 2. Biochemical studies reveal the incorporation of haemolymph proteins and lipids in the yolk during vitellogenesis. 3. Exogenous administration of the extract of the brain-CC and FME demonstrates, to some extent, the stimulation of protein synthesis during vitellogenesis in the haemolymph by the cerebral NSM and the CA hormone, while the lipid metabolism lies, mostly, under the control of juvenile hormone.


Zinc and vitamin A: serum concentrations of zinc and retinol-binding protein (RBP) in healthy adolescents. The concentrations of serum zinc and retinol-binding protein (RBP) have been studied with special reference to pubertal development in 132 healthy adolescents and young adults (11-26 years of age). The RBP level remained low during the first three of the five stages of puberty (mean, about 30 mg/l). When puberty degree 4 had been reached, the mean RBP level increased to nearly adult values (about 40 mg/l), the boys having somewhat higher levels than the girls. Use of oral contraceptives significantly increased the RBP level. The mean zinc values were rather constant throughout puberty, but boys 13-14 years of age had significantly depressed values. There was a statistically significant correlation between the serum levels of zinc and RBP.


[Electron microscopic studies of the gill epithelium of the amphibian teleost Periophthalmus vulgaris]. The gill epithelium of the airdwelling fish Periophthalmus vulgaris has been studied with the electron microscope. The following celltypes can be distinguished: flat covering epithelial cells, chloride cells, mucous cells, basal cells, various leucocytes as well as a specific granule containing cell which is possibly an epithelial cell. The covering epithelial cells exhibit a relatively smooth apical surface and contain in their apical half densely packed microfilaments, pinocytotic vesicles are rare. These characteristics are not to be found in water dwelling fish and possibly represent adaptations to the air containing surroundings. In the chloride cells are numerous, especially in the basal halves of the secondary lamellae. The distal parts of the secondary lamellae the barrier for the respiratory gases measures about 0,9 micrometer. The basal cells are ribosome rich replacement cells. Two types of mucous cells occur. Individual intraepithelial nerve fibres have been observed.


[The effect of orotic acid and orotic acid derivatives on the in vitro differentiation of hippocampus neurons-morphometric and electron microscopic studies of ribosomes]. 1. By means of electron microscopic and quantitative methods at the explantate cultures of the fetal hippocampus in vitro the influence of the orotic acid, sodium orotate and methylglucamine orotate on the neurogenesis was investigated. 2. After three days of the in vitro cultivation the neuroblasts influenced by these drugs show a smaller respectively not different degree of differentiation compared to the controls. 3. Under the influence of the orotic acid and of its derivatives the neurogenesis is significantly stimulated. The drugs produce a significant increase of the membrane-bound ribosomes and polysomes. The total number of ribosomes increases following the application of orotic acid by 20%, of sodium-orotate by 48% and of methylglucamine-orotate by 23% compared to the controls (alpha = 0,1%). 4. Sodium-orotate shows with reference to the neuronal development the clearest stimulatory effect. After 20 days in vitro the total number of ribosomes is by 60% higher at the treated cultures than in the controls. 5. The results might suggest, that an enlarged supply of the pyrimidine nucleotide via a raising of the RNA- and the protein synthesis might stimulate the development of the neuroblasts even under the in vitro conditions.


Analysis of twin data and estimation of heritability effects. In a statistical sense, the objective of twin research is to partition the variance on some criterion measure among genetic and environmental factors. Although certain elaborate models have been developed, these models do not supply a convenient test statistic to show which factors make a significant contribution. Consequently several procedures drawn from analysis of variance have been adapted for use with twin data.


Genetic studies of the offspring of identical twins: a model for the analysis of quantitative inheritance in man. In conjunction with full-sib and parental observations, half-sib analysis permits an estimation of the genetic and environmental variance as well as a partitioning of the genetic variance into its additive, dominance and epistatic components. The offspring of identical twins are a unique class of human half-sibs who provide an unusual opportunity to resolve and measure several additional potentially important sources of human variation including maternal effects, the influences of common environmental factors and assortative mating. The genetic model thus developed for the analysis of quantitative inheritance in man has been applied to the analysis of total ridge count and birth weight, confirming the existence of a major additive genetic effect on ridge count and a significant maternal effect on birth weight.


A monozygotic cotwin control study of a treatment for myopia. Myopia is the world's most common cause of defective vision. The role of controlled accommodation on the progress of myopia is unsettled. This cotwin control study is designed to provide a careful appraisal of the effectiveness of a clinically acceptable method of controlling accommodation. There are no previous reports of similar prospective studies among MZ twins. Expansion of such studies would be aided by collaboration among interested investigators.


Genetic variance in blood pressure.

Genetic variance in blood pressure. The National Heart and Lung Institute Twin Study has examined 514 white adult male twin sets aged 42-56 with respect to blood pressure. The data were analyzed by a method of Christian et al. which eliminates possible biases in estimated genetic variances that could result from different total variances in MZ and DZ twins. Results of the test for the presence of genetic variance indicate that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure are to a considerable extent genetically controlled with an estimated heritability of 0.8 for systolic and 0.6 for diastolic pressure. Although these findings are at variance with some previous reports, it is thought that much of the discrepancy results from application of different analytic techniques, not in the data themselves. The application of these findings to our understanding of hypertension epidemiology and community hypertension control programs are discussed.


Genetics of plasma cholesterol and triglycerides: a study of adult male twins. Fasting plasma triglycerides and cholesterol, as well as cholesterol in very low density, low density and high density lipoproteins, were measured in 250 MZ and 264 DZ adult male twin pairs. A new method was used to choose an estimate of genetic variance. This includes an estimate of genetic variance for use when the total variances of MZ and DZ twins are unequal. DZ twins had greater total variance for cholesterol. When genetic variance was estimated by subtracting the within-MZ-sets mean square from the within-DZ-sets mean square, all of the lipids had significant estimates of genetic variance; however, when genetic variance was estimated by a method designed to correct bias due to unequal total variances of MZ and DZ twins, only triglycerides had significant genetic variance. The heritability of plasma triglycerides was calculated to be 0.68.


Plasma protein variability in MZ twins.

Plasma protein variability in MZ twins. A previous study had shown that only MZ twins are easily exchanged by trained police dogs. This is certainly due to the superimposability of the biochemical basis of body scent. A different approach has now been tried, based on plasma protein fractionating procedures. A pilot study has shown that PolyAcrilamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) results, as expected, in widely different patterns only in DZ twin pairs. Plasma specimens from a sample of 55 supposedly MZ twin pairs were analysed by PAGE. The substantial superimposability of MZ cotwin patterns was confirmed. Analysis of the different fractions indicates the extent of environmental variability. Application to zygosity determination is suggested.


Genetic basis of individual differences in tissue composition. A total of 19 pairs of twin adolescent boys, 14 MZ and 5 DZ, were used to determine the relative contribution of the genotype to the individual differences observed in surface density of muscle, subcutaneous fat, and bone. The cross-sectional areas of these tissue components were calculated from photographs of the upper arm, taken by means of an ultrasonic apparatus. The respective mean percentage intrapair difference in MZ and DZ twins was 6.9 and 9.8 for total area, 6.6 and 7.8 for muscle, 13.9 and 32.0 for fat, and 6.7 and 31.3 for bone tissue. Interindividual variations in bone only could be ascribed to genetic differences.


Dermatoglyphic investigations in twins and siblings. The present report describes the preliminary results of an extensive dermatoglyphic investigation among 491 pairs of MZ and DZ twins, and sibs of both sexes. Paired homolateral comparisons were performed for the determination of the degree of discordance for each dermatoglyphic trait and the results were presented in a series of histograms. Some of the outstanding points brought forth by this study are: (1) different dermatoglyphic traits at different digits or palmar areas have different degrees of discordance; (2) in MZ twins the frequency of discordance for each trait is constant regardless of sex or laterality, whereas in DZ twins and sibs both sex and lateral differences are observed; (3) the higher number of significant differences in concordance between the MZ twins vs. sibs than between MZ vs. DZ twins suggests that, at least in the female, the dermatoglyphics may be affected by changing intrauterine environments.


Normal and aberrant palmar creases in twins and siblings. The present study involving MZ and DZ twin pairs, as well as paired normal sibs, was undertaken to investigate further the genetic involvement in the formation of normal palmar crease patterns, as well as simian and Sydney patterns. Two variations of normal creases were investigated: the thenar type R and the distal type I. Both types cluster in families. The R is more frequent in the females. For both types, MZ twins are more concordant than DZ twins or sibs. Sib studies suggest strong genetic involvement in the development of both the R and I crease types. Parents with simian and/or Sydney creases have more children with these traits than offspring of parents without these traits; however, concordance rate comparisons of MZ or DZ twins and sibs do not suggest strong genetic involvement as in the case of the R and I crease types.


Genetic penetrance from MZ twins of absent C-triradius, a palmar dermatoglyphic trait. Among 59 sets of MZ male twins and 48 sets of MZ female twins from Italy, 7 male sets (11.9%) and 7 female sets (14.6%) had absent c-triradius on one or more palms; among 214 individuals who had a MZ twin, 19(8.9%) had absent c-triradius in one or both palms. Due to small numbers these percentages are comparable to the occurrence of absent c-triradius found in 8.2% of 3946 Caucasians. When one member of a set of MZ twins showed the trait in one or both palms, 35.7% (5/14) of the other members also showed the trait in one or both palms. When an individual showed the trait in one palm, 26.3% (5/19) of the other palms also showed the trait. These two estimates of penetrance combined give an average value of 30.3% (10/33) which is comparable to an estimate of 30% found in a study of 478 family units in which transmission was compatible with an autosomal dominant gene.


Heritability study on size of the physiologic cup of the optic nerve head: a summary report. Cupping of the optic nerve head is regarded as one of a triad of diagnostic signs associated with glaucoma. This study was undertaken to assess the role of genetic factors in determining size of the physiologic cup of the normal optic nerve head, as measured by a horizontal cup/disc ratio. This is important to our ultimate understanding of the determinants of pathologic change. Horizontal cup/disc ratio was estimated in a sample of 37 MZ and 26 like-sex DZ twin pairs aged 15 years and older. Differences between MZ and DZ samples with respect to intrapair variance and intraclass correlation coefficient were highly significant. This finding of high heritability for measurements of cup diameter is in contrast to low heritability estimates found in a companion investigation on heritability of the effect of corticosteroids on intraocular pressure.


Twin studies and behavior genetics.

Twin studies and behavior genetics. It is observed that neither the methodology of twin studies nor that of behavior genetics in general has been adequately explored in most investigations of human behavior. General distrust of genetic methodologies as well as the belief that genic disorders are unalterable appear to be salient factors in explaining the neglect of those areas by social scientists. A plea is made for putting aside biased attitudes that prevent utilization of the best available techniques for the study of human beings as distinguished from all other animals.


Biology of human intelligence.

Biology of human intelligence. The article presents a brief review of the genetic aspects of intelligence as measured by IQ tests. The results from family and twin investigations seem to agree in as much as high heritabilities for IQ can be calculated. There are, however, a large number of insecurities and sources of error which invite to criticism. Although, at present, it is justified to assume that genetic factors contribute substantially to variations in IQs, it would be premature to claim that genetic and other causes of variation could be expressed in precise figures. It seems doubtful if this situation could be further improved by continued use of IQs in genetic investigations. It should be more profitable to use other entities, such as well-defined special abilities, which could be designed directly for genetic analyses.


Nature-nurture and intelligence: the twin and adoption studies agree. A large-scale adoption study is underway at the University of Texas where IQ test scores are available for over 1200 women who gave up their children for adoption immediately following delivery. The adopted children and their adoptive families are now being located and tested and, if current trends continue, complete data should eventually be available on over 400 families. About half of these families will contain two or more adopted children or both adopted and natural children. At present, data are available for 89 families. The results are consistent with twin data and support a genetic hypothesis. The biological mother-adopted child correlation is 0.37 whereas the adoptive mother-adopted child and adoptive father-adopted child correlations are only 0.22 and 0.04 respectively. There are 59 pairs of unrelated children reared together in this sample and the IQ correlation for these children is only 0.13.


Twin resemblances in creativity and in esthetic and emotional expression. Three sources of observation relevant to the measurement of individual differences in emotional and esthetic expressiveness were employed to study their heritability by application to a sample of some 60 pairs of young adult like-sexed twins, approximately evenly divided between male and female and MZ and DZ pairs. The sources of observation were objective test performances, trait ascription using a standard list of adjectives, and videotaped enactments of mood and esthetic performances. Perceptual and esthetic abilities do appear to have substantial heritability, although esthetic preferences do not. Heritability is also indicated for such adjectives as artistic, inventive, original, and independent. Ratings of the videotape performances yielded somewhat ambiguous results, due to the presence of a marked halo effect; the most likely interpretation congruent with earlier results is that greater MZ twin resemblances in social extroversion generated greater resemblances in the videotape situation on such other trait-rating variables as creativity, naturalness, and dominance.


The role of genetic factors in the child drawing behavior: a preliminary twin study. A sample of 27 MZ and 32 DZ twin pairs, aged 6 to 12 years, has been tested with the Draw A Family Test. Significantly higher concordance values in MZ than DZ twins have been found with respect to some graphic-structural factors (i.e.: line, hand pressure, area of the drawing, dimensions of the figures, distribution, and shading) as well as with respect to contents factors, such as spatial representation and cotwin's valorization. These correlates of personality development would thus appear to undergo significant genetic conditioning.


Heritability of personality and behavior pattern. As part of the National Heart and Lung Institute multicenter study of twins, 190 twin pairs (93 MZ, 97 DZ) residing in California and aged 44-55 years were comprehensively studied for all risk factors for coronary heart disease and for Behavior Pattern Type A or B. Psychological tests included MMPI, CPI, 16 Cattell PF, Gough Adjective Check List (ACL), Thurstone Temperament Schedule (TTS). Heritability at statistically significant levels was found only for scales of TTS. Twelve scales of ACL and five scales of TTS showed significant correlations with Behavior Pattern Type A-B as well as with several risk factors, including blood pressure and serum lipids. Multiple regression equations were constructed for those characteristics accounting for significant and unique portions of the total variance of Type A-B Behavior. The use of certain scales of ACL and TTS may provide a new questionnaire for screening purposes in the assessment of Behavior Pattern Type A-B.


Is Weinberg's method valid?

Is Weinberg's method valid? Suppose that L like-sexed and U unlike-sexed twins have been observed. Weinberg's method estimates the numbers of DZ and MZ twins as DZ = 2U and MZ = L--U. This method is based on the assumptions that (1) the sex ratio in DZ twins is 1/2 and (2) the sexes of DZ twins are determined independently and with the same probability in all parents; in consequence there should, on average, be equal numbers of like-sexed and unlike-sexed DZ twins. The first assumption is not exactly true, but the necessary correction is negligible. Departures from the second assumption would probably lead to an excess of like-sexed over unlike-sexed DZ twins; in consequence, Weinberg's method would underestimate the numbers of DZ twins and overestimate the numbers of MZ twins. The literature on the frequencies of like-sexed and unlike-sexed pairs among twins known to be DZ through other genetic markers is reviewed. It is concluded that there is no evidence of an excess of like-sexed twins among them, and that there is therefore no reason to doubt the validity of Weinberg's method. The extension of Weinberg's method to estimate the zygosity types of triplets and quadruplets is described; it is shown that the resulting estimates agree well with the results of direct zygosity determination by blood grouping.


Wolf's syndrome in twins -- translocation in the mother. A case of MZ twins, both affected by Wolf's syndrome, is described. Their mother, of subnormal look and low intellectual level is translocated. The children, born with a weight and size much below the average, show a very special morphotype; a hook-nose, an an abnormal conformation of the back edge of the nostrils (a protrusion in the shape of a horn overhanging the filtrum), hypertelorism, microcephaly. Great asynchronism in the maturation of the bones and a somatoschisis of the body of the cervical vertebrae are noted. Deletion of the short arm chromosome 4 is juxtacentromeric. The study of blood and tissue groups corroborates monozygosity. Dermatoglyphs are little abnormal and identical in the two children. The mother's family is phenotypically normal. At 19 months of age, measuring is still below 4, psychomotor progress is extremely weak, and convulsions are frequent.


Ischemic heart disease in death-discordant twins: a study on 205 male and female pairs with special reference to hereditary factors. From January 1971 to March 1973 all twin pairs in the Swedish Twin Registry below the age of 70, who became death-discordant, were continuously recorded. A total of 205 (78%) of the surviving cotwins were examined with respect to different manifestation of ischemic heart diseases (IHD) and several "environmental" and "biometric" risk factors. Among the death-discordant pairs, the cause of death was IHD in 57 pairs and other than IHD in 148 pairs. Analyses revealed that the prevalence rate of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, pathologic Q-wave, and ST depressions in connection with exercise, were significantly higher among the surviving cotwins whose partners had died from IHD than those whose partners had died from other causes. The same trends were seen for most of the risk factors measured both singly and in combination, although not very pronounced. The results indicate a substantial genetic influence in the development of IHD. The genetic influence is possibly transmitted not only through some of the risk factors measured, but also through other factors, still unknown.


Coronary heart disease in male twins: seven-year follow-up of discordant pairs. In an investigation in 1967 of about 100 male twin pairs collected from the Swedish Twin Register, discordance with respect to the presence of CHD was found in 37 pairs of which 19 were MZ. The investigation included physical examination, cholesterol measurements, and an interview regarding, among other things, smoking habits. In a follow-up study in 1974 -- seven years after the original investigation -- all but one of the 37 twins regarded in 1967 as free from overt CHD could be traced. Ten of the 36 twins had developed symptoms of overt CHD (angina pectoris or infarction); 18 twins were still healthy, 2 had died from other causes, and 6 had questionable complaints of breast pains. In a comparison of the two groups of twins with and without symptoms of overt CHD, no differences were found with respect to blood pressure, serum cholesterol, or smoking habits, as presented at the 1967 investigation. It is concluded that none of these factors seemed to influence the future development of CHD in twins apparently tainted with a heredity for this disease.


Metabolic research in monozygotic twins with diabetes mellitus: progress report. An intravenous and oral glucose tolerance test and an intravenous tolbutamide test have been performed in 11 MZ twin pairs, discordant for diabetes mellitus. Blood sugar, immunoreactive insulin, and free fatty acids were determined. The research aimed at finding out whether prediabetic subjects may show any characteristic parameter which could be suggestive of the hereditary disposition. Three MZ twins of juvenile diabetics showed a normal blood glucose, immunoreactive insulin, and free fatty acids during the glucose and tolbutamide loads within a maximum of 10 years observation.


A genetic study on deaf twins.

A genetic study on deaf twins. A clinical and genetic study on 25 twin pairs with at least one deaf member was performed. Concordance rate of hearing loss was 0.88 in MZ and 0.50 in DZ pairs, with an almost complete penetrance (P = 0.94). Consanguinity was found in 32% of cases, corresponding to five times the average population rate in Japan.


Genetic factors in myopia.

Genetic factors in myopia. A school population has been screened to locate same-sexed twins with myopia and also to compare intelligence test performance of myopic and nonmyopic individuals. Augmentation of the twin data by a survey of the world literature has led to the identification of a total of 106 MZ twin pairs, 100 of them concordant for myopia, as well as 41 DZ pairs, 12 concordant. Myopic students score eight points higher on IQ tests than nonmyopes, the entire bell shaped distribution curve being shifted to a higher range. The intellectual gain precedes in time the development of nearsightedness.


[A few remarks on an oculistic and orthoptic screening of 61 monozygotic twin pairs (author's transl)]. An oculistic and orthoptic screening has been carried out on a sample of 122 twins aged 6 to 10 years (31 MZ male and 30 MZ female pairs). A few remarks could be made, concerning both twins as such and the heritability of the traits under examination. The twins appear to differ from the general population of singletons of the same age on account of a lower frequency of ametropia and strabismus as well as of a high frequency of epicanthus.


Congenital malformations in twins.

Congenital malformations in twins. Among 1195 twins born in the Collaborative Perinatal Project, for whom information was available, 219 (18.33%) were found to have malformations, 179 (14.98%) single and 40 (3.35%) multiple. The frequency of malformations among twins was significantly higher than that among singletons from the same population, but the difference was entirely contributed by MZ twins. This holds true for both major and minor malformations. The frequency among Negro twins was higher than among white, and among male twins higher than among female. Twins had more malformations of the central nervous, musculoskeletal, ear, respiratory, cardiovascular, and alimentary systems and fewer malformations of the genitourinary and integumentary systems than singletons. In a significant number of cases when one twin of a pair had a malformation, the cotwin also had a malformation though not necessarily the same as that of the first twin.


The twin condition and the couple effects on personality development. Twin psychology has been studied to a very limited extent. Only few remarkable peculiarities of the twins' development are known for sure, such as delayed intellectual development, language retardation with frequent cryptophasia, difficulties and fragility of self consciousness, reduced sociability. These and other peculiarities may result from a number of different factors: biological, peculiar parental attitude, and especially the twin situation itself, the psychology of the twin as an individual being a function of the psychology of the twin pair. Twin peculiarities have for a long time been ignored. On the one hand, psychology ignored the couple reality (it was a "one-body" psychology), and on the other, the twin method classically postulated that twins are not atypical and may therefore be used as a test for the general population. As a matter of fact, twin psychology opens a new way to science. The twin situation may serve as a paradigm for the general study of the couple effect, namely, for the objective analysis of personality as a consequence of the relations between self and others. For certain traits of personality, it is already known that MZ twins brought-up together are significantly less similar than MZ twins brought-up apart. In fact, couple effects may mask or considerably reduce genetic factors.


The process of identity in twins.

The process of identity in twins. The Blacky Picture Test was administered to a sample of 12 pairs of male MZ twins, aged 17 to 19 years, and to an equal number of singletons. A score for 30 factors was assigned to each protocol. By comparing the scores of the two groups using the Mann-Whitney U test, only one significant difference emerged, relative to the factor concerned with positive identification and fraternal relationship. Twins chose the sibling figure as the identification object significantly less often than singletons did. A more qualitative elaboration was undertaken in order to interpret this result. From the final data, the precariousness of the sense of identity in the twins comes out indirectly in their passive and conformistic acceptance of the paternal model. It would seem that the twin is induced by his relationship with his cotwin, seen as the origin of this uncertainty as to his own identity, to adhere closely to the paternal image.


Twinning frequencies in Baden-Wurttemberg according to maternal age and parity from 1955 to 1972. The decline of the twinning rate in Germany since 1900 is exclusively due to a fall of the DZ rate. The analysis of the birth data in Baden-Württemberg from 1955 to 1972 shows that the decline of the DZ twinning rate can be explained only to a small extent by the shift of the maternal age-parity distribution towards younger mothers and lower parities. It appears reasonable that the greater part of this decline is caused by the lessening prevalence of the more fecundable, DZ twin-prone women due to the growing influence of family planning. Furthermore, it is imaginable that the probability for multiple ovulation is decreased after cessation of hormonal contraception.


Specific language disorders in twins during childhood. The delay in the development of the language often found in twins is usually interpreted as being strictly connected with the twinning situation and on the assumption that a model of verbal, tendentially cryptophasic, communication would more easily exist between twins. Two types of language pathology in twins, diverging from this classic framework, are presented: (1) Developmental dyslalia (or developmental dysarthria); in these cases no abnormality could be found in the modality of verbal communication between the cotwin; (2) developmental dysphasia; in these cases not only no tendency toward cryptophasia was observed, but indeed the verbal communication between the twins was markedly reduced. These two types of language disorders, as well as the classic one, are discussed in the light of a neurolinguistic interpretation.


Stuttering and tics in twins.

Stuttering and tics in twins. A total of 63 twin pairs (22 MZ and 41 DZ), with one or both members affected by not organic stuttering and/or tics, have been drawn out of the Mendel Institute's twin file. Concordance of stuttering was observed in 10:12 MZ, but only in 2:19 DZ twin pairs; concordance of tics in 6:10 MZ and in 2:22 DZ twin pairs. Stuttering did not come out significantly associated either with other disturbances of language or with an IQ under the average; almost always it was possible to find out a precipitating factor. Significant relations between stuttering and tics could not be stated. Sex ratio, obtained regarding any affected subject separately, clearly turned in favour of males both in stuttering (32:12) and in tics (27:12). Stutterers and left-handers incidence in the families of stuttering subjects appeared significant in comparison with families of subjects with tics.


Intellectual development of twins -- comparison with singletons. Analysis of mental and motor tests scores and intelligence test performance of twins born in the Collaborative Perinatal Project shows that twins perform more poorly than singletons from the same population and that the differences are greater in Negroes than in whites. The poor performance of twins relative to that of singletons is of complex etiology. It is partly due to poor prenatal environment, for twins brought up as singletons perform at the intelligence level of twins and not of singletons. It may also be partly due to the higher incidence of congenital malformations in twins, especially those of the central nervous system. But the performance of twins, relative to that of singletons, tends to improve as they get older, at least from 4 to 7 years, suggesting that prematurity is also a contributing factor, whose detrimental effects may be reversible.


Psychopathologic problems in twins during childhood. Some psychopathologic problems occurring during childhood in twins are discussed from the point of view of mental health. On the basis of case history of twins affected by neurologic or psychiatric disorders some typical situations have been examined: (1) psychopathologic problems arising from perinatal death of the cotwin; (2) psychopathologic problems arising from the death of the cotwin during late childhood; (3) psychopathologic problems arising in the pair from organic or neuropsychaitric event in one of the twins; (4) psychopathologic problems of the twins due to disorders of personal identity and the interaction between the twins. The cases are analyzed from a psychodynamic point of view, in relation to the development of personality in the twins, and from a psychosocial point of view, in relation to the cultural stereotype of the twins during the socialization process and in the context of parental dynamics.


[Psychopedagogic counseling for twins and twin families (author's transl)]. In 1973 the Mendel Institute, within the specialized services it offers to Italian twins, instituted psychopedagogic counseling for twins and their families. This service is carried out in the intermediate field between neuropsychiatry and social work. Cases involving family and social maladjustment were referring for counseling. During the academic year 1973-1974, the service examined 96 cases, of which 58 involved problems of school retardation and 38 involved family maladjustment because of changed parent-twin relationships. The counseling service aimed at achieving improved family and school relationships by means of various therapeutic interventions. The psychopedagogic counseling, besides the immediate therapy, has permitted deeper study of maladjustment by means of analyses of the twins' condition as a possible additional cause of the maladjustment itself. Analysis of the cases in this limited sample would seem to indicate an indirect incidence of the twin situation per se (couple effect), somewhat emphasized by the family and social environment.


[Heredity of twinning in families of monozygotic twins (author's transl)]. Whereas the existence of some genetic factor underlying the phenomenon of twinning is almost generally accepted with respect to DZ twins, no such agreement exists with respect to MZ twins. The possible existence of genetic factors underlying MZ twinning has been verified through an analysis of segregation in the sibships of MZ twins and in those of their parents, carried out on a sample of 57 MZ twin pairs (30 M and 27 F). Haldane's a priori method has been applied, considering the sample as obtained through a complete and through an incomplete ascertainment. The results may lead to cautiously confirm the hypothesis of some genetic conditioning of MZ twinning.


[Hematological effects produced on horses and sheeps pasturing upon Brachiaria radicans Napper (Tanner grass) in winter time (author's transl)]. Hematological studies were developed on two mares and twelve adults castrate sheeps of "Ideal" breed. The animals had been on a pasture formed with Brachiaria radicans Napper for one and two months respectively. This experiment was developed in winter time, so the leaves of the graminea had a yellow-green color. Clinical and hematological observations were made weekly. The typical symptoms of intoxication failed to present as observed in the former investigation when the plant was green (3). The hematological exames showed only for ovines a slight anemia, it was also characterized as being macrocytic and hypochromic. Some red blood cells with basophillic stippling and the occurrence of anisocytosis was observed in the blood of anemic animals, but no methemoglobin and Heinz bodies were found. The Brachiaria radicans Napper, had a low level of nitrate (2) therefore the animal poisoning must be attributed to another plant component, not nitrate as admited in the first hematological study (12).


The testing of cell invasiveness in embryonic tissue and in cell culture. The subcutis of 11-day-old chick embryos, 15- to 18-day-old mouse embryos and the skin muscle tissue of human fetus were stretched on lens paper in a Petri dish and seeded with a piece of LED-Widr or HDC cell sheet. Mem + 10% FCS was added. After three days incubation the material was fixed, sectioned and H-E stained. In the second part of our investigation several cell lines were prepared on cover slips. When confluent, the cultures were inoculated with 1-2 drops of cell suspension of another cell line. Three days after the seeding of cell suspension on the confluent cell sheet the cultures were fixed and stained. It can be seen in the organ cultures that LED-Widr cells closely adhere to the embryonic tissue which in some places they are invading. In tissue culture examination we found that heteroploid cells seeded on a confluent sheet of diploid cells adhered but that a diploid cell seeded on epithelial-like heteroploid cells would not adhere. The testing of invasiveness in embryonic tissue in organ culture showed that it can be a useful model. By seeding suspended cells of fibroblast lines on a confluent sheet of heteroploid cell lines their contact inhibition or their invasive ability can be determined. The seeding of heteroploid cell lines on diploid cell lines can be used as a model for the study of the mechanism of invasion into normal tissue and for the in vitro study of invasion inhibiting properties of certain substances.


Nonhuman primate diploid cells for vaccine production. A cell line was established from male rhesus embryonic lung tissue in 1968. Tests for adventitious agents at every tenth passage were negative. The cells had diploid characteristics, and supported the growth of polio, rubella, and dengue viruses. Tests for latent RNA tumor viruses and tumorigenic potential were uniformly negative. A small clinical trial with rubella vaccine produced in these cells was conducted, and no major adverse reactions were reported. This cell line appears to meet all criteria of acceptability for a safe vaccine cell substrate.


Production and control of live oral poliovirus vaccine in WI-38 human diploid cells. Production of live poliomyelitis vaccine in human diploid cells WI-38 can be carried out successfully on a continuous basis. Starting at the 8th population doubling level it is possible to produce 128 ampoules, each containing 1 ml of cell suspension at the 16th level. Each of these cell seed ampoules will yield 85 bottles each with a surface area of 1400 sq. cm at the production level (P29) together with 85 Roux bottle cultures which act as controls. A further passage from the control cells yields a sufficient supply of cells for karyology, tumourigenicity and other tests. Virus yields of the Sabin strains are rather lower than those obtained in primary monkey kidney cells, but this is compensated for by the very much lower reject rate. Karyological characterisation is undoubtedly the most demanding of the testing procedures both in time and expertise. Other tests for contamination, other than bacteriological have yielded uniformly negative results. There is urgent need for standardization of the assay systems used in different laboratories and there is perhaps a case for the use of reference vaccine produced in homogeneic cells.


The development of rabbit diploid cell lines. The authors describe briefly studies on the development of diploid cell lines from fetal tissues (origin: four inbred rabbits). Some lines have been maintained in continuous serial culture for over three years. The Lung 16 may represent a qualifying rabbit diploid cell line when used between cell passages 48 and 100; during this period it has shown a minimum deviation from the normal diploid rabbit karyotype; it supports the growth of rubella virus, is non-tumorigenic and might be useful as a substrate for human vaccine.


The use of foetal, calf and adult bovine sera for the growth of serially subcultivated diploid cells. Medium CMRL-1969 supplemented with either foetal calf, calf or adult bovine sera, or a combination of the various sera, was used to subcultivate diploid cells for the preparation of substrates for vaccine production. Supplementation with calf or adult bovine sera gave satisfactory cell yields for at least 3-4 population doublings. The finite lifespan of the diploid cells grown in media supplemented with foetal calf was always longer than with calf or adult bovine sera. However, a combined supplement of adult serum plus a low concentration of foetal calf serum gave results equally as good as foetal calf serum alone. Sera obtained aseptically from adult animals kept in isolation and monitored constantly for health are more desirable than sera obtained from abattoirs. Selection of donor animals and pooling of certain serum batches were found to be important for the preparation of serum supplements. The final protein concentration of the cell culture medium should not exceed 0.8% when adult bovine sera are used. For the growth of WI-38 or MRC-5 cells the use of foetal calf serum can be reduced or eliminated.


[Animal-experiment studies on the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer in the newborn]. Gastric secretion was studied in 188 fetuses of 28 pregnant dogs near term. Baseline secretory values were determined and gastric secretion was stimulated in additional fetuses with histamine, insulin, or gastrin. A significant increase in volume, acidity and pepsin output was observed in fetuses stimulated during the last week of gestation. Following maternal stimulation the placental transfer of histamine, insulin, and gastrin are demonstrated.


Methods for reducing the serum requirement for growth in vitro of nontransformed diploid fibroblasts. The amount of serum protein required for clonal growth of normal diploid human and chicken fibroblasts has been reduced more than 90% by development of improved synthetic media and culture conditions. The following has contributed significantly to the reduction: (1) replacement of specific serum proteins with defined small molecular nutrients; (2) precise quantitative balance of all defined nutrients for optimal growth of single cells of each type under consideration; (3) modification of the culture substrate; (4) improvement of the cell harvesting technique. By combining these improvements, optimal growth of human fibroblasts (fetal lung, newborn foreskin, amniotic fluid) and chicken embryo fibroblasts occurs in synthetic media supplemented with 500 microgram/ml dialyzed fetal bovine serum protein [equivalent to 1% (v/v) whole serum]. The human fibroblasts form large colonies at a suboptimum rate at 25 microgram/ml dialyzed serum protein [equivalent to 0.05% (v/v) whole serum] and several divisions can be obtained in the complete absence of serum protein. Human and chicken fibroblasts differ both in their quantitative requirements for defined nutrients, and in the type and number of incompletely characterized serum components that they continue to require under the improved growth conditions. The improved systems provide a sensitive assay for the remaining undefined growth-promoting components of serum and other biological extracts.


Growth characteristics, cytogenetic stability and virus susceptibility of cell lines from New Zealand rabbits. We have initiated and established over 90 cell cultures from tissues of embroynic New Zealand rabbits. These cell lines show a very varied growth pattern when compared to cell lines initiated from human embryonic tissues. The type of medium used to grow the cells influences the chromosome stability of rabbit cells. Cultures initiated from kidney tissue rarely grow more than 10 passages unless the medium is supplemented with lactalbumin hydrolysate. In turn, analyses of metaphase chromosomes from the kidney cultures, revealed they were aneuploid as early as passages 15. Cultures established from skin and lung tissues will remain diploid at least 60 passages when grown on Eagle's Basal Medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. However, rarely do rabbit cell lines go into senescence.


Development of a diploid cell line from fetal calf lung for virus vaccine production. Details of isolation and replication of a fetal calf diploid cell (FCDC) is given. From the karyological point of view, the fairly large number of chromosomes existing in metaphase spreads made counting rather tedious. Lack of practical classification was another problem which made reference to individual chromosomes difficult. By increasing the population doubling of this cell, a tendency of telocentric chromosomes to undergo centric fusion was observed. Susceptibility of FCDC to different viruses is described.


Tissue specificity of myocardial glycopeptides synthesized during early embryonic development. [3H] Glucosamine-labeled glycopeptides synthesized by hearts from stage 14-16 chick embryos were separated on DE-52 by ion-exchange chromatography and compared to those synthesized in other parts of the embryo at the same stage. Relatively few molecular species were present in all tissues, and they appeared closely homologous. There were no glycopeptides unique to any embryonic region examined, suggesting that tissue specificity may result from quantitative rather than qualitative differences in glycopeptides.


Role of acetaldehyde in the pathogenesis of alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Rats given both ethanol and tolbutamide showed decreased oxidative phosphorylation of the myocardial mitochondria as compared with rats given only ethanol. There were no differences in ethanol consumption and blood ethanol levels between the two groups. The concentration of acetaldehyde tended to be higher in rats given both ethanol and tolbutamide than in rats given ethanol alone. It is concluded that acetaldehyde plays a more important role in the production of alcoholic cardiomyopathy than does ethanol itself.


Effect of graded coronary stenosis on regional myocardial blood flow and left ventricular function. Dogs with 70% stenosis of the left circumflex coronary artery showed a reduction of myocardial blood flow with a minimal impairment of left ventricular wall motion. Eighty to ninety percent stenosis produced a marked reduction of flow and wall motion, and ST elevation close to 100% occlusion, but delayed antegrade run-off was found. The effectiveness of collaterals to protect against left ventricular dysfunction was supported.


[A cholinergic participation in the increase of cerebral cortical blood flow induced by vincamine (rat) (author's transl)]. The effect of vincamine on cortical blood flow was tested in control rats and after atropine administration. Cortical blood flow was measured in urethanized rats by means of the hydrogen clearance method. A significative increase in cortical blood flow and decrease in blood pressure and cortical vascular resistance was produced by vincamine iv administration in control animals. In atropinized rats significative cortical blood flow changes were not observed although some tendency to increase was detected. It is suggested that increase in cortical blood flow induced by vincamine may be due to direct action on the vascular smooth muscle and, partially, through a cholinergic mechanism.


Molecular mechanisms in genetic transformation. Molecular mechanisms of recombination of genetic material are most readily studied in microorganisms; a great deal is known about recombination of transforming DNA, introduced into the cell from the medium, with DNA inside bacteria. At present it is doubtful that this type of transformation will be of use in improving crop plants. However, a new technique of making recombinant DNA molecules from two or more highly divergent organisms may turn out to have great practical importance for agriculture.


Early corpus luteum formation (corpus haemorrhagicum) in a 3--3/12-year-old "senile" mouse. In a female mouse sacrificed at the age of 3--3/12 years, corpus heamorrhagicum and arteric corpora lutea were found in the ovaries, apart from smaller follicles. No evidence could be found in the literature for their presence at this age. Based on these findings, aspects of basic gerontological research are discussed.


Lowering of blood acetaldehyde levels-a possible approach to prevention of alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Based on the assumption that circulating acetaldehyde (AcH) is cardiotoxic, D-penicillamine was administered to dogs given alcohol orally, or given AcH intravenously. Paralleling the increase in plamsa norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) induced by AcH infusion, hemodynamic measurements showed a positive inotropic response with increase in pulse, blood pressure, left ventricular contractility, and cardiac output. Infusion of D-penicillamine abruptly lowered circulating levels of AcH and catecholamines, which was accompanied by an appropriate hemodynamic response.


Mechanisms of spontaneous and induced heteroploidization and polyploidization. Mechanisms of heteroploidization and polyploidization were studied in tissue cultures, using various methods and cell lines. In untreated populations cells with different chromosome number are formed by mitotic non-disjunction. Mononuclear polyploid cells are formed by repeated DNA synthesis (endoreduplication) and polynuclear giant cells by postmitotic fusion of the daughter cells. These phenomena occur more frequently in cell populations treated with cystostatic drugs. Most polyploid cells are not viable.


[Neuropsychological study of long-term cerebral complications of eclampsia (author's transl)]. A review of the literature shows that long-lasting neurological complications of eclampsia are rare, but that, when present, they frequently involve visual function. Two patients are reported, whose symptomatology suggested damage to the posterior region of both cerebral hemispheres. The first patient showed a Balint's syndrome with complete inability to perceive more than one object at a time, erratic gaze movements and optic ataxia. After a year and half a marked improvement was observed. The second patient presented with severe of dyscalculia, spatial memory disorders, constructional apraxia and mild aphasia. She recovered completely in one year. This symptomatology might result from ischemic lesions in the watershed area between the territories of the middle and posterior cerebral arteries, the underlying mechanism being the compression of the posterior cerebral artery against the tentorium, caused by edema.


Polymerized micelles and their use as adjuvants in immunology. A polymerization process is described for the preparation of hydrophilic micelles containing solubilized drug molecules in a colloidal aqueous system of dissolved monomers. A hydrocarbon medium constitutes the outer phase. After secondary solubilization with the aid of selected surfactants, polymerization of micelles under different conditions takes place. The formulation of drugs including labile proteins in the ultrafine polymer components ("nanoparts") and their isolation are possible without noticeable destruction of the encapsulated molecules. Entrapped tagged material (human 125I-immunoglobulin G) shows a stable fixation in such nanoparts during long-term in vitro liberation trials. Nanoparts are visible with the aid of an electron microscope. They are mostly spherical in shape and smaller than 80 nm in diameter. They form real colloidal aqueous solutions. Nanoparts are suitable to embed antigenic material (tetanus toxoid and human immunoglobulin G) for parenteral use. These preparations show intact biological activity and high antibody production in animals.


[Levels of testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin TeBG and of testosterone in pregnancy with relation to the sex of the foetus (author's transl)]. A practical and economic method for the quantification of testosterone-estradiol-binding globulin TeBG is described. The procedure premits the differentiation without overlap of the TeBP levels in males, non-pregnant females and during pregnancy. Mean titles were 1/5, 1/93 and 1/360 respectively. During pregnancy, we found high levels of TeBG and increased plasma testosterone, with mean values of 143.4 nanograms/100 ml. We have found no significant differences in TeBG levels, or in maternal blood testosterone levels in relation to fetal sex; however, plasma testosterone levels were significantly different among new born of different sex, with mean values of 96.25 nanograms per cent for males and 78.21 nanograms per cent for females.