Radiation dosage to the breast in well-women screening surveys. The D.H.S.S. is supporting research in several centres to determine the feasibility of establishing a nationwide Breast Cancer Screening Programme. This paper answers the questions "What is the radiation dose produced by mammography, and is it safe?". In the context of well-women screening surveys a maximum skin dose of 2 R has been recommended. The variation of dose across the breast surface is recorded and the reasons for this enumerated. The lowest mean dose recorded with industrial quality film was 4-9 R, so that such fine-grain film cannot be used for this purpose. Doses within the recommended safety limit are achieved by the use of vacuum-packed film-screen combinations. The new rare-earth phosphor screens produce the lowest dose (0-2 R). There was no significant gonad dose. It is concluded that mammographic examination of well-women can be performed at safe radiation levels.


Film and xeroradiographic images in mammography. A comparison of tungsten and molybdenum anode materials. Methods of comparing mammograms produced by radiation derived from tungsten and molydenum anodes are described. In film mammography better images were obtained using molybdenum radiation. In xeromammography images of equal quality were produced by either technique. However, the dose required for good xeromammography using a molybdenum source was significantly higher than for tungsten.


Deformity of the labyrinth and internal auditory meatus in congenital deafness. In congenital deafness it is important that the radiological examination should exclude any deformities of the bony labyrinth or internal auditory meatus as well as demonstrating lesions of the middle and external ears. Radiological assessment of inner ear abnormalities should be used as a guide both to the feasibility of reconstructive surgery to the middle and external ears and for the future training of the child. Inner ear abnormalities demonstrated by tomography in 56 patients are discussed in relation to the cochlea function. The importance of demonstrating the central bony spiral of the cochlea and of assessing the size and shape the internal auditory meatus is stressed.


Amniography in the early diagnosis of hydatidiform mole. In 16 patients with suspected hydatidiform mole the diagnosis was readily confirmed by amniography. A characteristic honeycomb pattern was seen in all cases. Opacification of the pelvic and ovarian veins was observed in 11 patients, four of whom also showed an excretory urogram. No complications occurred. We conclude that amniography is a simple, safe and reliable method of establishing the diagnosis in clinically suspected cases of hydatidiform mole. Amniography should be considered: (1) as a primary procedure where facilities for ultrasonic investigations and for chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) determinations are not available, or (2) when ultrasonic examination and the HCG levels are equivocal.


The layered pyelogram in hydronephrosis. Fifty patients were studied with erect films at excretory urography. Twenty-eight had hydronephrosis, bilateral in two cases; a total of 30 hydronephrotic kidneys were therefore investigated. Thin layers of contrast medium were shown in the dilated calyces in 29 of the 30 kidneys. The layered pyelogram is a simple, sensitive urographic sign of hydronephrosis, which may be demonstrated in the absence of a discernible pyelogram in the routine film or tomograph. The basis of layering has been investigated by simple experiments. Since the layered pyelogram may be the only urographic evidence of a poorly excreting hydronephrotic kidney, erect films should be routinely used at excretory urography when this condition is to be diagnosed or excluded.


Percutaneous antegrade pyelography in small infants and neonates. Percutaneous antegrade pyelography is a safe and useful alternative to retrograde pyelography in the investigation of urinary-tract malformations in the neonate or very young infant. It is preferred to arteriography in the infant with a loin mass. Satisfactory delineation of hydronephrosis or cysts is simply and directly accomplished by this method, so that more complex and less definitive investigations can often be avoided. In addition, a variety of ureteric abnormalities may be displayed.


Renal compensatory hypertrophy in the adult. Compensatory renal enlargement was assessed in 19 adult patients who either had a nephrectomy (17 cases) or developed a functionless kidney following obstruction (two cases). Hypertrophy of the healthy kidney was assessed by comparing renal size on urography before and after removal or destruction of the diseased kidney. Compensatory renal enlargement was demonstrated in 40 per cent of the patients, including two patients in their sixties. The average increase in length was 3 per cent and the maximum increase in length was 9 per cent. Therefore compensatory enlargement does occur in adult life, but is much less than that occurring in childhood. The presence of a hypertrophied adult kidney over 17 cm in length usually indicates that the contralateral renal disease was present in childhood.


A comparative study of special petrous views and tomography in the diagnosis of acoustic neuromas. A review is presented of the value of special petrous views and tomography in 56 patients with acoustic neuromas. Ninety-two per cent of these patients showed abnormality of the petrous bones. Tomography was found to be only slightly more productive than special plain film views of the petrous pyramids in terms of positive diagnosis, and it gave rise to an increased incidence of false positives. For this reason, and to reduce unnecessary exposure, it is recommended that tomography of the internal auditory canals should be considered only after a careful study of adequate plain radiographs, which may themselves be diagnostic. In 73 per cent of the patients in this series the diagnosis could be made with a single slit perorbital projection.


Gonorrhoea of the throat at a venereological clinic. Incidence and Results of Treatment. Among 3,271 consecutive cases of gonorrhoea seen during the years 1971 to 1974, the incidence of tonsillar gonorrhoea was 3-6% in men and 5-8% in women. Oro-genital intercourse was admitted by 34% of men and 33% of women. Among these patients the incidence of tonsillar gonorrhoea was 7% in men and 16% in women. Only two cases of gonococcal septicaemia were seen, and there were no other complications. Few patients experienced symptoms from the throat. Tonsillar cultures was positive on the first examination in only 74%, it was negative until after single-dose treatment had been given in 18%.


Amoxycillin in the treatment of gonorrhoea. A series of 162 patients with uncomplicated genital gonorrhoea was assessed after single-dose treatment with 3 g. amoxycillin. This seems to be an acceptable method of treatment, resulting in clearance rates in both male and female patients of 99 and 95% respectively at the first follow-up. The default rates on follow-up over a 4-week period are also shown.


Observations on radiation myelopathy.

Observations on radiation myelopathy. Three cases of radiation myelopathy are reported. Corticosteroid therapy was associated with worth-while remissions in 2 patients. Two patients showed swelling of the spinal cord in myelograms and in one it extended below the irradiated part of the spinal cord. Demyelination of the dorsal white columns of the spinal cord unaccompanied by vascular abnormality was seen below the irradiated part of the cord. It is suggested that radiation damages the endothelial cell barrier of capillaries and arterioles after a latent interval. Proteinous oedema fluid spreads through the white matter from the capillaries and also into the arteriolar walls narrowing these vessels enough to cause local ischaemia and infarction. It is further suggested that apart from ischaemia and infarction myelin is also damaged by poor nutrition associated with oedema fluid, and that radiation damage to oligodendroglial cells is not the cause of this additional demyelination in patients with radiation myelopathy.


An assessment of the accuracy of computerized transverse axial scanning (EMI scanner) in the diagnosis of intracranial tumour. A review of 366 patients. The computerized transverse axial (CTA) scans of 366 patients with intracranial tumours and 267 patients without tumours, but with similar presenting features, were analyzed. In all cases the definitive diagnosis was established either by histological or neurological methods. Most tumours were found to be of low tissue density, but a gradation from low through normal to a high density appearance was recognized. Tissue density enhancement with sodium iothalamate was achieved in 63-9% of supratentorial and 62-4% of infratentorial tumours, and usually allowed a more accurate determination to be made of the boundary between the tumour and the surrounding oedema. The accuracy of the CTA scanner as a screening technique was found to be 96%, this being superior to either clinical evaluation or rectilinear isotope scanning. When assessed on the basis of structural abnormalities demonstrated in the same groups of patients, the CTA scans enabled a diagnosis to be made or a lesion excluded in 92-3% of the patients, a figure which bears comparison with arteriography and pneumo-encephalography. It is anticipated that the simplicity and superior sensitivity of the system should decrease the necessity for invasive techniques such as angiography and pneumo-encephalography in the future.


Carotid artery thrombosis, encephalitis, myelitis and optic neuritis associated with rubella virus infections. The clinical, virological and pathological findings in 5 patients with neurological complications associated with rubella virus infection are described. The neurological illnesses began four to ten days after the rubella illnesses. The patients were all males aged between 6 and 17 years and were diagnosed during one non-epidemic year in a population of 1-5 million people. All the patients had rubella specific IgM in their sera. Two patients had no rash. In one of the patients who died, left internal carotid artery thrombosis and cerebral infarction were found at post-mortem. Rubella virus antigen and particles resembling rubella virus were found in the brain together with IgG and IgM in the same areas. This patient also had extensive liver necrosis. The other patient had a severe meningomyelitis and radiculitis and he recovered completely after two years. His serum rubella antibody rose significantly and was shown to leak into CSF during the acute stage of his illness. Three patients had a rash. Two of these patients had encephalitis: one recovered completely and the other had residual disability. The third patient had bilateral optic neuritis from which he recovered completely. Rubella specific IgM was, however, present in his serum for the abnormally long time of twenty-eight weeks indicating possible persistence of rubella virus.


Pure pan-dysautonomia with recovery. Description and discussion of diagnostic criteria. The patient described in this report appears to have had a unique, severe, pure pan-dysautonomia, and has been investigated in sufficient detail to specify precisely the disorders of functions subserved by the autonomic nervous system. Though we cannot rule out the possibility of an unknown autonomic toxin, we have no evidence for it and suggest that our patient's disorder be considered an acute polyneuritis, restricted to the autonomic system. Comment is made on tests of autonomic dysfunction and on the reliance which can be placed upon the results.


Polymyositis: its presentation, morbidity and mortality. A survey of 118 patients seen in the last twenty years in Newcastle upon Tyne forms the basis of this report. All of these 118 patients fulfilled clearly defined clinical, electrophysiological and pathological criteria for the diagnosis of polymyositis: muscle pain, weakness and characteristic EMG and/or muscle biopsy 55%; and characteristic muscle biopsy 17%; muscle weakness and characteristic EMG 7%; muscle weakness and pain, and raised serum CK activity in an established collagen-vascular disease 5%. A smaller group of 25 patients were selected in whom the clinical characteristics, EMG, muscle biopsy and serum enzyme levels were all completely diagnostic of polymyositis. The patients were followed for two months to twenty-six years, with a mean follow-up duration of six years. Analysis was made of the features at presentation and during the course of the illness, and of prognostic factors bearing upon the disability, response to treatment and mortality. Cases were classified according to the system of Rose and Walton (1966). Groups I, II, and III each constituted approximately one-third of the total cases, while only 8% of all cases were associated with carcinoma. The female to male ratio was 1.4:1. Though cases were seen in all age groups, the largest number was in the sixth decade. The sedimentation rate was raised in 55% of cases. Electromyography was characteristic of polymyositis in 45% of cases, and in only 11% was it normal. The serum creatine kinase activity was raised in 64% of cases. There was no correlation between the extent of these abnormalities and the degree of weakness or disability. 65% of muscle biopsies had changes with inflammatory infiltration virtually diagnostic of polymyositis. 17% of cases had a normal muscle biopsy. Most of the patients (89%) were treated with high-dose prednisone therapy, commencing with 30-100 mg/day, gradually reducing to a maintenance dose of 5-15 mg/day over two or three months. All clinical groups showed considerable improvement in average disability with time on "high dose" corticosteroid therapy, the maximum improvement occurring within the first three years. The degree of improvement in disability was considerably less in those inadequately treated, though the mortality rate was similar in the two groups. 66% of all survivors had essentially no functional disability at follow-up three or more years later, and in the majority of these cases the disease appeared to have burned itself out. 33% of cases had significant disability after three years, and in half of these the disease appeared to be still active.


Pneumographic findings in the infantile autism syndrome. A correlation with temporal lobe disease. Pneumoencephalographic findings are described in a group of 18 children who presented to us with a history of retarded language development and autistic behaviour disturbances. None had specific diagnosable neurological diseases nor gross motor disorders. PEG findings included, most prominently, pathological enlargement of the left temporal horn in 15 cases; some cases showed enlargement of both temporal horns or mild variable enlargement of the lateral ventricles, especially the left. Comparisons between infantile autism and recognized patterns of temporal lobe disease (especially Korsakoff syndrome and Kluver-Bucy syndrome) are drawn. We have suggested that medial temporal lobe dysfunction may be a major factor in the pathogenesis of the syndrome of infantile autism.


Ischaemic optic neuropathy. The clinical profile and history. The clinical situation of acute optic disc infarction in middle-aged and senescent patients is not uncommon, yet with the exception of those instances due to giant-cell arteritis, pathophysiological mechanisms remain obscure. In hopes of elucidating this syndrome, the clinical profile and natural history of 37 cases of non-arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy were reviewed. For contrast, 13 cases of arteritic optic neuropathy were surveyed. The salient features of idiopathic optic neuropathy may be summarized as follows: (1) the syndrome occurs primarily in 55-70-year-old patients who, for the most part, are otherwise well; (2) mild hypertension is present in about half of the cases, but does not determine a separate variant of the disorder; (3) there is no significant association with extracranial carotid occlusive disease; (4) over long follow-up periods there appears to be no increased incidence of stroke; (5) the syndrome should be easily recognized on clinical grounds, consisting of sudden or rapidly progressive monocular visual deficit associated with optic disc swelling, with stable visual defects of variable degree; (6) after an interval of months to many years, the second eye is involved in about 40% of cases (old optic atrophy coupled with contralateral fresh disc infarction may be confused with the Foster-Kennedy syndrome); (7) no form of therapy has proved efficacious; (8) pathophysiological mechanisms remain speculative. It is the responsibility of the physician, be he ophthalmologist or neurologist, to distinguish the patient with occult arteritis (history, physical examination, sedimentation rate, arterial biopsy) and institute immediate high-dosage corticosteroid therapy. It is also incumbent upon the clinician to desist from unnecessary and unrewarding diagnostic procedures, in particular cerebral angiography, when confronted with an instance of non-arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy.


Inflammatory myopathy in scapulo-ilio-peroneal atrophy with cardiopathy. A study of two families. A syndrome of slowly progressive muscle weakness with scapulo-ilio-peroneal distribution and cardiopathy was identified in 26 members of two families. Inheritance was autosomal dominant. Onset of the disease was between 17 and 42 years. Cardiopathy did not antedate skeletal muscle disease and patients had no symptoms of cardiopathy until a late phase of the disease. Initial ECG changes were non-specific, disturbances of conduction and impulse formation developed subsequently. Skeletal muscle biopsies showed neurogenic and myopathic changes with inflammatory cell reaction and perivascular cuffing. The combination of myopathy with neurogenic-like changes is characteristic of many cases of SPA. The inflammatory cell reaction is considered as part of a secondary polymyositis which is at leart partly responsible for muscle pathology.


[Reaction of the bone- and soft tissues to implanted bone wax in the sheep]. 2,5 gr. of bone wax (Knochenwachs) were implanted in the iliac crest of 10 sheep. The induction of a foreign body reaction and chronic inflammation was proven demonstrable until the 12th week after implantation of the bone wax. In this period only partial resorption of the wax occurred simultaneously with significantly retarded osseous regeneration. From a clinical point of view it therefore seems necessary when using bone wax to pay particular attention to inflammatory reactions, reduced new bone formation and eventual occurrence of pseudo-arthrosis.


[Hemobilia following liver injury].

[Hemobilia following liver injury]. A case of post-traumatic haemobilia is presented and the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of this condition are discussed. In addition to coeliacography, spleno-portography and scan, retrograde endoscopic cholangiography is a valuable diagnostic technique. Treatment is operatively, by drainage and haemostasis of the affected area with liver resection or by ligation of the afferent arteries. In the case presented ligation of the left hepatic artery was successful.


[Problem of intestinal compression due to retroperitoneal fibrosis]. Retroperitoneal fibrosis causes almost without exception ureteral stenosis, frequently vascular constriction but rarely intestinal obstruction. Of 17 cases reported in the literature, 14 showed a colon sigma stenosis and 3 an obstruction of the duodenum. The appearance of intestinal stenosis neither correlates with the duration of symptoms nor with the extent of retroperitoneal fibrosis. Of our own cases, 4 out of 48 patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis presented a colon sigma constriction; of 17 patients with retroperitoneal fibro-carcinomatosis 2 had a stenosis of the sigma and one an obstruction of the duodenum. Discussed in reference to the literature and to two typical cases are difficulties in surgical intervention, the emergency situation of intestinal occlusion and the success and limitations of cortisone therapy for moderate intestinal constriction.


[Prognosis of nerve injuries in humeral fractures]. The results of a follow-up study of 18 patients with closed fracture of the humerus and mostly primary nerve injury are described. Only 2 patients required operation upon injured nerves. Conservative treatment alone obtained a reasonable restitution of nerve function.


[Intraneural ganglion in the peroneal nerve]. Report of a case of an intraneural ganglion in the peroneal nerve. Reviewing the literature this rare case of peroneal nerve palsy is discussed. The therapy consists in an operative decompression of the nerve by excision or incision of the ganglion cyst.


[Local postoperative complications after surgery of the cardia]. 602 patients had an operation on the cardia of stomach during 10-year period 1964-1973 in the Surgical Department of Kiel University. In total there were 395 operations without resection with a 9% postoperative complication rate opposite to 207 resections of the cardia with 38% complications. Here the primary lethality was 7% (14 patients). The complications of suture insufficiency and hemorrhage are demonstrated and their outcome checked up: 13 of 16 patients died of suture insufficiency (81%) and 8 of those 13 with hemorrhage (62%). Especially important for the successful treatment of suture insufficiency are early diagnosis, drainage of the area and closure of the leakage. A new technique of suture insufficiency treatment is reported: T-Drainage into the leakage. This has led to a lowering of the death rate.


Glycogen metabolism in muscle. The circadian influence on the in vitro model. Hemidiaphragms isolated from normal mice were incubated in a glucose-rich medium and the glycogen increments induced by this procedure were determined at 04(00), 08(00), 12(00), 16(00), 20(00) and 00(00) on different days. It was found that although the glycogen values were greater after the incubation than in the non-incubated hemidiaphragms, the increments were different according to the time-span studied. Thus, glycogen synthesis in muscle, even under in vitro conditions, undergoes circadian variation.


Circadian modification of drug-induced teratogenesis in rat fetuses. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with hydroxyurea (750 mg/kg) or physiological saline on the 12th day of gestation. Hydroxyurea and saline (control) treated groups were each composed of six subgroups injected at consecutive 4-h intervals (i.e., group 1 at 00(00), group 2 at 04(00),...). All females were injected at the same circadian phase as they were mated. The developmental age of all fetuses was 288 +/- 2 hrs at the time of injection. The fetuses were taken by caesarean section on the 20th or 21st day of gestation. Teratogenesis was greatest when hydroxyurea was administered in the light phase (light-dark 12:12 cycle). Deformity rates correlate with motor activity, mitotic rates and DNA synthesis.


[The effect of apamine on the inflammatory process]. The authors examined the effect of apamine on rats, rabbits and guinea pigs with experimental inflammation. Apamine inhibited serotonine and dextrane oedema on the hind paw of a rat as well as the excudative reaction in inflammation, induced by Croton oil. Apamine manifested antiserotomine effect on an isolated ileum of a guinea pig. It inhibited the increase of haptoglobulin and mucoprotein in serum of animals with experimental inflammation.


Responses of the regressed ovary of the catfish, Heteropneustes fossils (Bloch), to interrupted-night photoperiods. Interrupted-night photoperiod schedules were used to explore the possibility of the involvement of a ciradian rhythm in photosensitivity in ovarian recrudescence in the catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis. Interruption of the night of a basic short day (L/D 6:18) treatment by 1-h of light between 00(00) and 01(00) induced ovarian recrudescence which was significantly higher than that in the control group exposed to L/D 7:17. Scanning of the major part of the dark period (20(00-05(00)) to determine the duration of the photo-inducible phase shows that the photo-inducible phase lies between 20(00) and 03(00) with a peak from 00(00) to 01(00). Even 1-h of light in a regimen of L/D 1:23 presented between 20(00)-21(00), 22(00)-23(00), 00(00)-01(00), 02(00)-03(00), or 04(00)-05(00), produced significant ovarian recrudescence with a peak between 22(00) and 23(00). These results provide a clear demonstration of the possible involvement of a circadian mechanism for photoperiod measurement in the catfish.


[Changes in the physiol working capacity of rats following splenectomy and autologous transplantation of part of the spleen]. The author made splenectomy on 15 rats, but on other 15 rats after splenectomy he performed autotransplantation of 1/3 of the spleen in omentum majus. All rats induced the duration of swimming for one month after the operation. Two months later the rats with autotransplantation received the duration of swimming, but the splenectomized rats were under the initial values with 27%. These results showed that auto-transplantation of a portion of the spleen assured the working capacity of the examined animals.


Chronobiology in mental retardation research: progress and prospects. The premise of this review is that chronobiology, the science of biologic time structure and rhythms, is important in investigations concerning the etiology, mechanisms and effects of deficient mental adaptive development. Chronobiology is also shown to have potential importance in therapeutics and rehabilitation. Most of the information available now and supporting this wide-spread relevance of chronobiology relates to circadian rhythms, but physiological and behavioral rhythms having other cycle lengths also contribute. Recent findings in seven topic areas of chronobiology are reviewed with emphasis on facts and relationships actually or potentially important for consideration in mental retardation research. These are: 1) development of sleep and EEG patterns; 2) rhythmic susceptibility to seizures; 3) adrenocortical and dependent rhythms; 4) circadian rhythms in amino acids and biogenic amines; 5) rhythmic behaviors; 6) circadian rhythms in susceptibility and responses to drugs; and 7) circadian rhythms in human perception and performance.


[Vascularization of the myocardium in rats during various motor regimens]. The author examined the vascularization of the myocardium by impregnation of argirophil fibers according to Gomori in white rats, undergoing various motor regimens: 8 animals traned by running for a period of 90 days, 8 animals were moveless for 90 days, 8 animals trained for 90 days and then were moveless for 50 days and 7 were controls. She compared the number of capilaries with the number of muscle fibers. There was statistically significant growth of the number of capillaries and their lumen was enlarged in the trained animals. There were no significant differences in the degree of vascularization of the myocardium in the moveless and control animals. In moveless animals after preliminary training the capillary bed of the myocardium was reduced and did not differ significantly from the control animal, but the lumen of all capillaries was still not reduced. Probably we could refer also the increase of the capillary lumen to the more stable adaptation changes together with the increase of the capillaries during raised functional requirements towards the myocardium.


[Embryotoxic and teratogenic action of some pesticides]. The authors carried out experiments on white rats in order to evaluate embriotoxic and teratogenic effect of pesticides: cyneb, mneb, cypromate, basfungine, remrod, dipterex and bromex. The preparations were administered oraly as followed: 1) singly in the course of whole pregnancy in a dose of 1/2 LD50 and lower doses till finding single nonacting dose and 21 in the course of the whole pregnancy in doses rangling from the determined single threshold dose till finding minimal acting dose during multiple application and nonacting teratogenic dose under the same conditions. The authors examined the changes in some liver enzymic systems of the mother and fetus. It was established that there was raised actitity of LDH, A1Ph, AcPh, glucose -6-phosphat-dehydrogenase and HEA with degree differences in both examined categories - the mother and fetus. Single treatment of pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis induced anomalies in the development of the nervous system; of the skeletal system - facial cranium, extremities, tail as well as functional and biochemical changes. The authors determined teratogenically nonacting doses for single application: for cyneb - 1000 mg/kg; for maneb - 50 mg/kg and for cypronat - 250 mg/kg.


[Structural characteristics and innervation of the aortic wall in roosters]. The structural characteristics and inervation of the aortic wall of domestic cooks was examined on fresh material from 20 species. The author examined the basic structural elements of the aortic wall by means of histological and impregnation methods. There were regional difference and peculiarities in the structure of the wall. In its larger part the aorta was described as a blood vessel of elastic type and only in the abdominal region was characterized as a blood vessel of transitory type. There were close interrelationships between the elastic membranes and smooth cells. Data were reported on the inervation and partly on vascularization of the aortic wall. Recertor formations and neuro-cellular accumulations were discribed. An important element in the inervation of the aorta was the efferent nerve fibers, having attitude to the smooth muscle component and intramural vascular bed. The obtained results give an idea on the dependence and connection between structure, inervation and to a certain degree of vascularization.


[The effect of heterologous duodenal content on the motor activity of the duodenum]. The authors carried out studies on 15 rabbits (9 controls and 6 experimental and examined the motor activity of the duodenum after infusing duodenal content from patients with clinicaly established diagnosis of chronic hepatitis at precirrhotic stage. The duodenal secretion obtained from the patients, was examined in advance and the activity of enterokinase and trypsin was determined. The obtained results showed that during infusion of saline or duodenal content, taken from healthy persons, the control group did not reveal any change in the motor activity of the duodenum. In the experimental group after infusion fo duodenal content, taken from patients with liver disease, there was a demonstrative inhibition of the motor activity of the duodenum after the third infusion in all trials. The motor activity was vot normalized for a period of 5-6 hours. There was a reduction in the activity of the enzymes enerokinase and trypsin under the normal values in the doudenal content, taken from patients with chronic hepatitis before its infusion. This coincided with the literary data.


[Lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in rats on a normal and atherogenic diet]. The authors carried out experimental studies on four groups of experimental animals at various age and three groups of animals, fed with atherogenic diet according to O'Neal for a period of 4, 11 and 12 months. It was established that the level of serum lipids and lipoproteins underwent substantial changes in the period of sexual maturation. There was no difference between the adult and old animals. The sligh-test changes was found in cholesterol, but the level of triglycerides, esterified fatty acids and total lipids in old animals was even lower than of the adult animals. There was a tendency to an increase of all lipid fractions in the liver of old animals. Cholesterol and beta-lipoproteids were elevated in the aorta of the old animals. Feeding with atherogenic diet for 4 months induced an accumulation of liver lipids without hyperlipidemia and hyperlipoproteinemia, but continuous feeding with atherogenic diet induced also manifested hyperlipidemia and hyperlipoproteinemia besides an increase in liver lipids. Morphologically in these animals there was an infiltration of peripheral parts of liver lobules as well deposition of sudonophil substances in subendothelial space of the aortic wall. Stopping of ah tero genic diet 20 days before killing of the experimental animals was enough to reduce significantly the level of liver lipids, but not that in serum and aorta. The most lasting changes underwent triglycerides respectively esterified fatty acids. The studies show that the ah terogenic diet cause characteristic changes in lipid and lipoproteid metabolism, which, however, are different from the changes, which occur with aging of the organism.


[The effect of prolonged treatment of hypertensive rats with antihypertensive drugs of various actions on the arterial tension and noradrenaline level in the myocardium, brain and aortal]. The authors examined the changes in arterial blood pressure and the content of Noradrenaline in the myocardium, brain and aorta of rats with hypertension due to nephrectomy and treatment with desoxycorticosterone and NaCl, and after a chronic 6-month treatment of hypertension with various antihypertensive means. The most significant reduction of noradrenaline in the three of the examined tissues was found in rats, which received dic. sulfyram (100 mg/kg per os). Clondine (10 mkg/kg, per os) manifested the strongest hypotensive effect and lowered the level of noradrenaline in the myocardium, while it was raised in the aorta. Reserpine (10 mkg/kg, s. c) induced a clear reduction of Noradrenaline content in the brain, but an increase in the other two tissues. Insignificant hypotensive effect was observed in animals, treated with guanetidine (0.5 mg/kg, per os), which did not affect substantially noradrenaline in the examined organs. The increase of noradrenaline level was established in the three of the organs of animals, treated with alpha-methyl-DOFA (25 mg/kg, per os). Furosemide (1 mg/kg, s.c.) induced a statistically significant elevation of noradrenaline in the aorta, but was noneffective to noradrenaline in the myocardium and brain.


The changes in blood resistivity with haematocrit and temperature. The temperature dependence of the resistivity of blood samples with haematocrits from 16 to 52.5% has been investigated over the temperature range of 22 degrees ot 40 degrees C at a frequency of 100 kHz. The resistivity of whole blood increased with an increase in haematocrit and a decrease in temperature. The data fitted the relationship: Pohm-cm=(6.272 Hct + 75.176) - (0.104 Hct + 1.467) tC weree Hct is the percentage haematocrit.


Evaluation of a proposed index of myocardial blood flow in dogs. An index of myocardial blood flow developed from studies with a computer and a mechanical circulatory model has been investigated in 18 dogs. An intravenous injection of 131I is used with external scintillation detection over the left ventricle and the lung. The index is given by the ratio of the half time of the downslope of the curve recorded from the left ventricle to that of the curve recorded from the lung. This index has been compared with that suggested by Mena et al in which the left ventricular half time is compared with the half time of the brain curve. The effect on these indices and on the clearance of 133Xe of clamping the anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery has been observed. Statistically significant differences in both indices and in Xenon clearance were seen to be induced by coronary artery clamping but there was overlap between the clamped and unclamped values. The method used for coronary clamping also affected the results.


A computer model and a mechanical model of the circulation and their use in the evaluation of indices of myocardial blood flow. Computer and mechanical models of the circulation have been made to study isotopic techniques of determining indices of myocardial blood flow. Parameters in the program and dimensions in the mechanical model have been scaled to represent the human circulation. Single rapid injections of 131I labelled human serum albumen were given into the venous line of the mechanical model and records obtained from collimated scintillation detectors positioned over the heart, lung and brain. Similar injections and recordings were simulated in the computer model. Two indices of myocardial flow have been studied. The first, described by Mena et al. is the ratio of the half time of the downslope of the left ventricular curve to the half time of the downslope of the brain curve. This index distinguished myocardial flows of 0,5% and 10% of total cardiac output but was also affected by changes in cerebral flow. A new index is proposed in which the half time of the left ventricular curve downslope is related to the half time of the downslope of the lung curve. This index can distinguish myocardial flows of 0,5% and 10% total flow but is not affected by changes in cerebral flow.


Correlation analysis of units recorded in the cat dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. Spike activity was simultaneously recorded from pairs of units consisting of both optic tract fibers and relay cells in the cat dLGN. The unit pairs were classified with regard to the types of receptive fields involved, the relative location of receptive fields, and their occular drive. Statistical dependencies between the discharge patterns of the simultaneously observed units were assessed by computing their auto- and crosscorrelogram during a period of maintained discharge. Two distinctly different types of statistical dependence were observed. Unit pairs having like and overlapping receptive field centers exhibited statistical dependencies manifested in their crosscorrelograms by a peak near the origin. Conversely, unit pairs having opposite and overlapping receptive field centers were characterized by a prominent valley in their crosscorrelograms near the origin. These statistical dependencies are inferred to represent functional interaction most probably occurring in the retina and characterized by a common element exerting an influence on both units.


A forebrain lesion preventing imprinting in domestic chicks. Newly hatched domestic chicks were subjected to bilateral aspiration lesions of the anterior, dorsal, posterior or lateral regions of the forebrain and then were reared separately with one of two types of imprinting object. Between 3 and 10 days later they were tested for imprinting, pecking accuracy, visual looming and auditory startle responses. Lateral and dorsal lesion groups differed from a control group in the number of successful discriminations of their imprinting object and the lateral group was not significantly different from a random expectancy. All groups were impaired in pecking accuracy but the lateral group was the most severely affected. Looming responses and post startle freezing behaviour were reduced only in the posterior and dorsal groups which were also the least responsive in the imprinting tests. It was concluded that the lateral forebrain area is critically and specifically involved in the visual learning of imprinting being necessary for the discrimination of, but not for approach responsiveness to, imprinting objects.


A quantitative study of the projection area of the central and the paracentral visual field in area 17 of the cat. I. The precision of the topography. 1. In the course of long oblique penetrations through the postlateral gyrus a variation in the position of the receptive fields (RF-scatter) of single cells recorded extracellularly is observed. This is superimposed on the continuous topological representation of the retina. Spezifying the RF-positions by the azimuthal and elevation coordinates of their geometrical centers, the standard deviation (SD) of the mean RF-positions of cells recorded in 200 mum long horizontal sections of cortex is calculated and the total radial scatter of RF-positions (Sanderson, 1971) as defined: (see article) is determined. The radial scatter is found to have its smallest value (1 degree visual angle (v.a.)) in the projection area of the functional center of the area centralis increasing to 3-4 degrees v.a. at 10 degrees eccentricity. 2. The mean RF-diameter as defined: (see article) is centrally 0.7 degrees v.a. increasing to 2.6 degrees v.a. at 10 degrees eccentricity. The ratio of the largest RF-diameter to the smallest RF-diameter is between 7-9 and remains almost constant over the central 10 degrees of the projection area. The magnification factor (M) as defined: mm Cortex/degree v.a. is centrally 2.3, decreasing paracentrally to 0.6. 3. The cells in area 17 whose RFs have the same direction in the visual field constitute the spatial subunit of the retinocortical projection. The diameter of the spatial subunit is calculated as: (see article). The spatial subunit functionally represents, therefore, that part of the visual field whose location and area is calculated by averaging over the RFs of the individuals of its cell population. It is found that the cells belonging to a spatial subunit are distributed within a cortical cylinder of 2.6-2.8 mm in diameter, the peak of the distribution coinciding with the central axis of the cylinder. 4. Within the projection area of the central 10 degrees of the retina in area 17 the spatial subunits have the same diameter. This suggests that each retinal ganglion cell is functionally connected with an equal number of cells in area 17 irrespective of its position within the retina and that, therefore, the retinocortical projection is organized on the basis of a stereotyped schema if a basic spatial relationship is concerned.


A quantitative study of the projection area of the central and the paracentral visual field in area 17 of the cat. II. The spatial organization of the orientation domain. Cells in cat's area 17 respond optimally if elongated contrasts are presented at a certain angle or orientation with respect to the retina, or to the visual field, respectively (Hubel and Wiesel, 1962). The preferred orientation and the range of orientation sensitivity of cells in close proximity to one another have been determined in order to investigate the spatial arrangement of the orientation domain in area 17. 1. A slight overrepresentation of vertical and horizontal orientations is seen in cells with complex receptive fields, whereas in cells with simple fields all orientations are represented to an equal degree. The orientation selectivity, defined as the halfwidth of tuning curves constructed from the cells response to a moving stimulus, is less than 60 degrees in more than 80% of all cells investigated, and is on the average 20-30 degrees smaller in cells with simple than in cells with complex receptive fields. 2. In 80% of all cases considered the difference in the preferred orientation between two cells less than 200 mum horizontally distant in area 17 is less than 30 degrees, which is of the order of an individual cells orientation selectivity. Each cell, therefore, will respond to some extent to that orientation which is preferred by the cells in the immediate surroundings. 3. Sequential changes in the preferred orientation between cells successively recorded are observed as the postlateral gyrus is explored from anterior to posterior and from medial to lateral. On these general trends a random variation in the preferred orientation between neighbouring cells of the order of 5-10 degrees is superimposed. One orientation sequence (180 degrees) occupies 700-1200 mum, so that on the average a change in the preferred orientation of the order of 10 degrees is complete after 50 mum distance in the cortex measured parallel to the pial surface. Assuming that 18 different orientations (+/- 5 degrees) functionally represent one complete orientation sequence it is found that 'all' orientations are functionally represented by the cells contained in a cortical cylinder of 300-700 mum in diameter. 4. Cells having the same preferred orientation are grouped together in cortical regions which appear in crossection as a band or a spot. These regions have been termed iso-orientation bands or spots. The diameter of the spots and the small diameter of the bands do not exceed 100 mum. Taking an average orientation selectivity of 40 degrees for cells vertically aligned in area 17 it is calculated that cells situated 100 mum to either side of an iso-orientation band or around an iso-orientation spot still respond with 50% of the discharge to their own optimal orientation ...


The effect of two diverse inhalation anesthetic agents on serotonin in discrete regions of the rat brain. Sensitive radioisotopic enzymatic methods were used to determine 5-HT levels in 16 different regions of brain from rats anesthetized for 90-105 min with 1% halothane or 18% cyclopropane. These two anesthetics were chosen because of their differing effects on the electroencephalogram and on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. 5-HT levels in the nucleus amygdaloideus centralis, substantia nigra, and nucleus centralis superior were increased after administration of either anesthetic, but only anesthesia with cyclopropane was associated with an increase in 5-HT level in the nucleus raphe dorsalis. The changes in levels of transmitter does not distinguish cause from effect of anesthesia, and further experiments are needed to delineate what role, if any, the specific areas play in muscle relaxation, analgesia, sleep or anesthesia.


Flexion-extension sensitivity of elbow joint afferents in cat. Single units from stretch receptors in the elbow joint of the cat were studied in split-down filaments of the musculocutaneous nerve of the cat. The majority of fibres isolated responded to elbow extension with a phasic and then graded tonic or slowly adapting response. All fibres had a maximum adapted discharge at full extension. Over half the units also gave a phasic or tonic response at full flexion of the elbow, but this was non-graded and only appeared at the extreme position of the arm. These results are discussed briefly in the context of previous joint afferent studies.


[Flavinogenesis and regulation of purine biosynthesis de novo in Pichia guilliermondi mutants resiatant to 8-azaguanine]. 93 mutants resistant to 8-azaguanine (AGR-mutants) were derived from the strain of Pichia guilliermondii with blocked guanine deaminase (EC 3.5.4.3.) by UV-irradiation. The mutants retained the ability to uptake 8-azaguanine and guanine but could not deaminate guanine. Some of the AGR-mutants were found to accumulate large amounts of hypoxanthine and small amounts of guanine in the cultural medium. The inhibitory effect of guanine and 8-azaguanine but not adenine on the purine biosynthesis de novo was considerably decreased. It was established observing the rates of 5 amino 4-imidazoleribotide accumulation in purine-requiring AGR-mutants in the presence of different purines. The regulation of the activity and biosynthesis of IMP-dehydrogenase (EC 1. 2. 1. 14) with guanine compounds in AGR-mutants was completely preserved. Under cultivating in iron-rich medium all the AGR-mutants accumulated more riboflavin than the strain H-101 and the wild type strain. That occured as a result of the increase of flavinogenesis velocity in AGR-mutants during late logarithmic and negative growth acceleration phases. Some of mutants also synthesized more riboflavin in iron-deficient medium. Depression of riboflavine synthetase was not observed in the iron-rich cells of AGR-mutants.


[Compatibility of R-factors in naturally occurring enteric bacteria]. The compatibility of four wild type fi+R factors to R1 factor, a representative of the FII compatibility group of F-like class of the plasmids was studied. Two of them (R448 and R459) were incompatible to the R1 factor at selective for R448 and R459 donors conditions. The recipient R1 factor elimination apparently takes place at the first generations of conjugants. The compatibility of these R plasmids to R1 is possible at selective for donor and recipient plasmids conditions. R459 and R1 factors were transfered to Escherichia coli W945 simultaneously and recombination between them was suggested. B211 and R215 factors are compatible to R1 factor and their coexistence with the last is stable despite whether conjugants were selected on one or two R plasmids principle. Further conjugants transfer R211 and R215 only, but not R1. It is concluded that R factors No 448 and No 459 are of FII group compatibility. R211 and R215 factors group compatibility is still unknown.


[Transforming activity of phage T4r+ DNA, treated with ultraviolet light, nitrous acid, hydroxylamine and visible light in the presence of methylene blue]. The efficiency of phages T4rIIB-638v+ and T4rIIB-638v- transformation by native and denatured DNA treated with UV, nitrous acid, hydroxylamine and visible light in the presence of methylene blue is studied. A greater transformation efficiency of UV-irradiated T4r+ phage native and denatured DNA was observed in the v+ recipient as compared with v- recipients. Denatured donor DNA treated with nitrous acid has higher transformation activity in spheroplasts infected with T4v+ phage than in those infected with T4v- phage. Native donor DNA, treated with methylene blue and visible light-irradiated, developed a decrease of the transformation activity in T4v- phage-infected spheroplasts as compared with T4v+ phage-infected spheroplasts. Hydroxylamine treatment of native and denatured donor DNA did not reveal any differences in the transforming activity for v+ and v- recipients. Denatured donor DNA was more resistant to the effect of hydroxylamine than native DNA.


[Temperature-sensitive mutants of actinophage phi C31 of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2)]. Temperature-sensitive mutants of phiC31 actinophage were isolated by the treatment with nitrosoquanidine and UV light. 20 cistron which control various stages of intracellular phage growth are identified on the basis of modified complementation tests. The sequence of ts markers and c-region is established and the relative distance between them is estimated according to the results of three factor crosses.


[Possible location of the gene of mucoviscidosis (pancreatic cystic fibrosis) in chromosome 21]. On the basis of the data available in the literature pertaining to the relatively high frequency of mucoviscidosis in children affected with Down's syndrome a hypothesis is advanced concerning the possible location of the mucoviscidosis gene in the chromosome 21. The author's own preliminary data are presented. Approaches to the verification of this hypothesis are described.


[Effect of copper ions on chromosome structural mutations caused by Cs1 37 gamma rays in moist seed cells of Crepis capillaris L]. When seeds of Crepis capillaris were germinated in solutions of Cu(NO3)2 (at 0.55-10(-5) M and 1.1-10(-5) M concentrations) the frequency of structural chromosome mutations induced by gamma-rays (137Cs) at 200 and 400 r doses was higher as compared to that induced in the absence of copper ions.


Effect of kinetin on the formation of chromosome aberrations during irradiation of Crepis capillaris L. seeds and its radioprotective effect. The object of this investigation was the mutagenic effect of kinetin (6-phurphuryl-aminopurine) on chromosomes of Crepis capillaris L. Dry seeds were soaked in the 0.05% kinetin solution for 4, 6 and 8 hours before the irradiation with X-rays. It is observed that soaking of dry seeds in kinetin solution stimulates the appearance of chromatid aberrations for almost two hours earlier, than in the control (soaking seeds in water). A regular increase of the chromatid-type rearrangements with increasing the duration of soaking in the kinetin solution was observed (3.3%, 16-20% and almost 50% at 4 hours; 6 hours' and 8 hours' soaking respectively). This increase is indicative for the effect of kinetin on the processes taking place in the cell before the irradiation. Apparently kinetin stimulates the onset of the stage S for a certain proportion of cells, and thus at the moment of irradiation the cell population is at the asynchronous state. A considerable radioprotective effect of kinetin was observed in all the variants of the experiment, which is not associated with the capacity of stimulating the initiation of chromatid aberrations inherent in kinetin. Kinetin alone (without irradiation) exerts no mutagenic effect on the cells of Crepis capillaris.


[Veterinary genetics and selection].

[Veterinary genetics and selection]. The article comprises the data on the genetic potentials of New-Hampshire cocks determined on the basis of the resistance of their offspring to the artificial infection with Salmonella gallinarum. It is shown that different cocks differ significantly from one another in their genetic potentials with respect to the resistance to Salm. gallinarum. Since the method of artificial infection can not be practiced always, it is proposed by the author to characterize the genetic potentials of animals by means of determination of the non-specific resistance index of the specimens tested.


[Mechanism of inactivation and mutagenesis induced by ethyleneimine in Drosophila germ cells. V. Relation of complete and mosaic mutations during the supplementary action of high temperature]. Supplementary effect of high temperature (37 degrees C) an hour after the treatment of mature sperms of Drosophila with ethylene imine resulted in an increased level of the inactivation (the frequency of dominant lethal mutation). The frequency of complete mutations (recessive sex-linked lethal mutations) increased by the supplementary effect of high temperature at low doses of E1, and it did not change under a comparatively high dose of the mutagen. The frequency of mosaic mutations decreased under the effect of high temperature at both doses of E1. No effect of high temperature was observed in 4 and 24 h after the E1 treatment. The results obtained are discussed in connection with the proportion of inactivation and mutagenesis under the effect of chemical mutagens on Drosophila germ cells.


[Higher nervous activity in rats with symptoms of hereditary galactosemia]. The patterns of behaviour and neural processes in rats with symptoms of hereditary galactosemia were investigated. Certain impairment of neural processes, particularly of the internal inhibition process in galactosemic rats was established. This is evidenced by low conditioning rate and lower level of responding in 2-way shuttle-box avoidance achieved by galactosemic rats in comparison with galactose-resistant rat substrain. Significant changes in motor activity and emotionality level in the course of repeated open-field testings were not found in galactosemic rats. The pecularities of the active avoidance acquisition, an analysis of the capacity to  the retention of acquired task demonstrated an impaired mechanism of long-term memory storage in galactosemic animals.


[Hybridization in Actinomycetes].

[Hybridization in Actinomycetes]. Ways of transferring genetic information in Actinomycetes and their use for the transmission of genetic material in intervarietal crosses are discussed. The producing of hybrids is shown to be an efficient method to obtain Actinomycetes strains with new properties. Properties of recombinants obtained in intervarietal crosses Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2)XS. lividans 66 are shown to possess new antibiotic properties differing from those of parental strains: they suppress a number of Actinomycetes and bacterial strains which are not affected by parental strains. It is found that at least two groups of genes located on chromosomes of S. coelicolor A3(2) and S. lividans 66 participate in the synthesis of the antibiotic. The obtaining of recombinants between S. coelicolor A3(2) and S. griseus 15 makes possible to select variants which are capable to produce the antibiotic grisine and are resistant to actinophages, specifically attacking S. griseus. Properties of recombinants between S. coelicolor A3(2) and S. griseus 15 make possible to localize on parental chromosomes regions containing genes which control the synthesis of the antibiotic, the formation of a receptor for the adsorption of actinophages, and genes controlling the restriction and t he modification of actinophage development in S. coelicolor and S. griseus. A sex plasmid (SGP1) is found in S. griseus 15.


[Interaction of homoeotic mutations Antennapedia and Polycomb in Drosophila melanogaster]. Pairwise interaction of three alleles of Antennapedia (Antp49, Antp 50 and APX) with two alleles of Polycomb (Pc1 and Pc2) considerably increased homoeotic transformation of antennae caused by Antennapedia gene (up to the formation of completely developed homoeotic legs). On the contrary, Antennapedia alleles decreased the transformation of meso- and metatoracic legs into protoracic legs, as caused by Pc alleles. The degree of changes in the expression of Antp and Pc due to intergenic interaction were, as a rule, Antennapedia specific, i.e. the differences were greater when Antp alleles were substituted in genotypes. A possible mechanism of the interaction observed is discussed.


[Mutagenic activity of psychotropic drugs]. Mutagenic activity of 33 psychotropic drugs was studied in Drosophila metanogaster according to the CLB method. The drugs are the following: leponex, neuleptil, randolectil, teralen, chlorprotixen, TPS-23, navane, pimosid, difenisid, rudotel, eunoktin, radedorm, meprobamat, trioxasin, elenium, napoton, aponal, lorasepam, nuredal, oxyphenonat, safrasin, surmantil, amitriptilin, prothioden, melipramin, saroten, tegretol, phenobarbital, diakarb, benzonal, suksilep, morpholep, sydnocarb. The increase in the mutation rate was induced by leponex (1.37% in adults and 1.21% in larvae), difenisid (1.18% in adults), two forms of the same drug eunoktin and radedorm (about 1.6% in adults), safrasin (1.06% in imago), saroten (1,36% in imago), phenobarbital (2.02% in imago). Even a slight increase of mutagenicity of widely spread psychotropic drugs is a very serious factor which needs further investigation and specification in other models and organisms.


[Populational chromosomal polymorphism the Asian forest mouse Apodemus peninsulae]. 29 individuals of Apodemus peninsulae, an Asian forest mouse from the Suputin State Nature Reserve (Maritime Territory) were studied karyologically. Diploid chromosome sets of the animals studied contained from 48 to 52 chromosomes. The difference in the diploid chromosome numbers is caused by the presence in some individuals of supernumerary metacentric chromosomes (up to 4). The set is always represented by 48 acrocentric chromosomes, gradually decreasing in size. The supernumerary metacentric chromosomes vary in size from medium-sized to the smallest in the set. The character of intrapopulational chromosome polymorphism of continental and island populations of Apodemus peninsulae is discussed. Attempts are made to explain the polymorphism with respect to supernumerary chromosomes as the result of some viral diseases.


[Recombination in amber-mutants of bacteriophage T4B. I. Recombination and complementation in phage T4 amber-mutants]. In studying intergenic and intragenic complementation in amber mutants in genes of phage T4 controlling the synthesis of phage tail fibres the data have been obtained indicating the dependency of the results of complementation tests on those of crosses of respective markers. The results obtained show that in complementation of amber mutants of phage T4 the phage yield varies widely and depends on the location of markers on the phage genetic map.


[Effect of palladium and platinum salts on bacteriophage T4 and its isolated DNA]. The effect of palladium and platinum salts (K2PdCl4, K2PtCl4) on bacteriophage F4 and its isolated DNA in genetic transformation is investigated. Both compounds efficiently inactivated the phage and decreased the transforming activity of donor DNA. The palladium salt exhibited the higher activity. The palladium compounds inhibited the transforming activity of native donor DNA to a greater degree. No difference was observed in the degree of inactivation of the transforming activity of native and denatured DNA under the effect of platinum salt. It is suggested that the difference in the transforming activity of donor DNA treated with the tested compounds reflect the pattern of their interactions with nucleic acids.


[Structure of the interphase nucleus and formation of chromosome aberrations in Crepis capillaris]. A distribution of chromosome X-rays induced aberrations was studied in 2n and 4n root cells of Crepis capillaris at different stages of the mitotic cycle. Participation of various chromosomes in aberrations was found to be different from theoretically expected one found from the chromosome length. The chromosome A was characterized by excession of intrachromosome aberrations (terminal deletions, isolocuses, duplications and rings). The chromosome D very often took part in the formation of rings. The chromosome C was characterized by an excession of interchromosome aberrations and the lack of intrachromosome ones. The data obtained support the model of interphase nucleus proposed by Wagenaar. The frequency of exchanges of homologues in 2n and 4n cells well correlated with theoretically expected. The inhibition of mitosis increased the exchanges of homologues. In 2n and 4n cells asymmetrical translocations predominated over symmetrical ones.


[Diploid radiation gynogenesis in carp. I. Massive production of diploid gynogenetic progeny]. Mass lost of diploid gynogenetic carp offspring were obtained with the use of fish-farm method of reproduction. The average yield of gynogenetic diploids in usual experiments was 0.1% (from fertilized eggs). The cooling of unfertilized spawn (at the stage of metaphase II) to 8--10 degrees C during 3.5--4.5 hours in 50% of cases permitted to increase by tens of times (in the most successful experiments up to 8%) the yield of gynogenetic diploids. The rate of survival of carps remained relatively low during the first two years of life, particularly during the first hibernation that is a critical period. No specific depression of growth in gynogenetic diploid carps was observed. A high yield of gynogenetic diploids (3.9% of fertilized eggs) and their relatively high rate of survival were observed in the second generation of artificially induced gynogenesis.


[Puff expression in relation to genotype]. The studies of genotype influence on puff size in salivary gland chromosomes of Drosophila virilis (stocks 9, 101, 142, 151) and D. texana (the stock 123) reveal significant differences between the species concerning the structure of puff in the 3-C-6 region at the stage of puparium formation. In reciprocal F1 hybrids the size of the puff was intermediate in comparison with parental forms having a slight maternal effect. The differences in puff size in the 5th chromosome between interspecific hybrids and the special stock of D. virilis carrying a region of D. texana 5th chromosome in heterozygous condition (inserted into D. virilis 5the chromosome by double crossing-over) were observed. The transfer of the region of the third chromosome to near centrimetric heterochromatic of the 5th chromosome by translocation resulted in the increase in the 3-B-2 puff size. However, the transposition of the 3-B1 region in the proximal direction with respect to chromocenter did not affect the puff size.


[Spontaneous variability of antibiotic biosynthesis in relation to morphogenetic processes in Actinomyces chromogenes var. trienicus]. Available data on possible relationship between the antibiotic activity of actinomycetes and the level of their differentiation, especially with their spore-formation ability, present certain interest with respect to possible relationship between the synthesis of antibiotics and the formation of secondary structures. The study of spontaneous stable variants of Actinomyces chromogenes var. trienicus demonstrates that all sporogenous variants produce the same complex of antibiotics as does the original population. The loss of the ability to synthesize antibiotics is observed only in the phenotypically different dwarf variant (VI). The impaired differentiation (the loss of spore-formation ability) is accompanied by disturbances in the antibiotic synthesis: asporogenous variants are either inactive or produce only 1 antibiotic from the complex synthesized by the original population. Changes in the structure of spore chains do not probably correlate with qualitative and quantitative measurable changes in the antibiotic synthesis. The statistic evidence is suggestive of the fact that the variant with a more complex profile and topography of aerial mycelium displays a higher activity.


[Incompatibility during transplantation of nuclei in amoeba. IV. Transplantation compatibility in different strains of Amoeba proteus]. Seven laboratory Amoeba proteus strains of different origin were tested for their transplantation compatibility (i.e. viability of artificially produced heterokaryons) in all possible pair combinations. Incompatible combinations (14) as well as completely compatible ones (7) were found. Compatibility was distributed among strain combinations non-randomly. All the strains studied could be classified into three groups with respect to compatibility ("compatibility groups") involving 1, 2 and 4 strains, respectively. Within the third group any pair of strains was compatible, as well as both strains of the second group. On the contrary, any strains from different groups were always incompatible. Possible nature of the compatibility groups is discussed. It is suggested that they might be analogous to syngens of Ciliates.


[Homologous gene expression in intergeneric fox hybrids (Alopex lagopus x Vulpes vulpes). I. Comparative electrophoretic analysis of blood proteins and enzymes in Arctic and silver foxes]. A comparative study of 27 enzymes and proteins in blue and silver foxes was carried out by means of starch gel electrophoresis. The structure of these enzymes and proteins is determined by about 33 genes. It is shown that a number of blood enzymes and proteins of these species is represented by a single electrophoretic form, while lactate dehydrogenase, carboanhydrase, arylesterase, carboxylesterase, diaphorase, hexokinase and tetrasolium oxidase have several forms. It is also found that these species differ in seven enzymes and proteins: diaphorase, G-6-PD, adenylate kinase, carboxylesterase, albumin, prealbumin, transferrins. Other enzymes and proteins are similar in their electrophoretic mobility. The data obtained afford the evidence that the two species (Vulpes vulpes and Alopex lagopus) differ in a set of enzymes and proteins.


[Triploidy in hybrids of carp with other representatives of the Cyprinidae family]. As a result of remote hybridization of carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) with the representatives of certain other subfamilies of Cyprinidae a few viable F1 hybrids were obtained for the first time. These hybrids proved to be allotriploids. In the cross Cyprinus carpio L. female X Hemiculter eigenmanni (Jord. et Metz.) male the rate of survival of this year's brood was 0,5% of the fertilized eggs and 3n=128; whereas in the cross Cyprinus carpio L. male X Ctenopharyngodon idella (val.) female the rate of survival was 0,008%, while the chromosome number (3n) varied from 124 to 128. The chromosome number of non-viable E1 hybrids derived from this cross was intermediate (2n=76). The diploidization of the maternal chromosome set was spontaneous, since no stimulating agents were used to induce it. It is assumed by the authors that it is the tetraploid nature of carp that affords the possibility of the initiation of allotriploids.


[Characteristics of the endocrine system in Drosophila melanogaster 1 (2)gl mutants, differing in time of death]. A comparative study of the state of the endocrine system and one of the larval organs, the salivary gland, has been carried out in larvae homozygous for the 1(2)gl gene. They differ in time of death (death at the third larval instar--larval allele, and at the prepupal state--prepupal allele). It is shown that homozygotes for the larval and prepupal allele have underdeveloped prothoracal glands. Corpora allata in homozygotes for the larval allele does not differ from the norm. Corpora allata in homozygotes for the prepupal allele is decreased proportionally to the decrease of prothoracal glands. A decrease of gland size is due to a decrease of the volume of cell but not to their number; this decrease is accompanied by the decrease of their relative DNA content. Salivary glands in homozygotes are reduced and comprise 80% of the normal size in homozygotes for the prepupal allele and 50% for homozygotes for the larval allele. Polyteny level in the salivary gland nuclei is much decreased as compared with the normal level. DNA level is more reduced in larvae homozygous for the larval allele.


[UV-mutagenesis in Bacillus subtilis. IV. Analysis of revertants to methionine prototrophy]. UV light induces in Bacillus subtilis met5 ade6 two classes of revertants to prototrophy to methionine which can be easily distinguished by their phenotype: double (Met+Ade+) and solitary (Met+) revertants. Crosses of revertants with the wild type, carried out in transformational experiments, showed that original (direct) mutation met5 is presented in chromosome of double revertants. Consequently they are extragenic suppressor revertants. In the chromosome of solitary revertants Met+ an extragenic suppressor was not detected; reversions Met+ seem to be of an intragenic nature. It is possible to use reversions to prototrophy to methionine as a model to study UV-mutagenesis in suppressor and non-suppressor genes.


Ventricular relaxation and mitral opening time in various ventricular conditions of old age. This phonocardiographic-echocardiographic study was based on measurement of the interval between the aortic component of the second sound (IIA) and the peak of the E wave of the mitral echogram. The study was performed in 20 cases of left bundle branch block (LBBB), 10 cases of right bundle branch block (RBBB), 10 cases of old myocardial infarct (MI), and 10 cases of systemic hypertension (HY). All patients were above 60 years of age, and their data were compared with those of old persons without evidence of heart disease serving as controls. The IIA-E interval was found markedly prolonged in LBBB, less prolonged in MI and RBBB, and was shortened in HY. A dynamic analysis revealed that this interval results from the isovolumic relaxation period (IRP) of the left ventricle plus the "opening time" of the mitral valve. The changes observed were explained as resulting from a modification of the IRP that should be correlated with a similar modification of the isovolumic contraction time. Myocardial fibrosis would cause prolongation of IRP through structural lesions while hypertension would cause abbreviation of IRP through hormonal effects modifying both contraction and relaxation.


Human serum thyrotrophin level and response to thyrotrophin-releasing hormone in the aged. 170 healthy volunteers were investigated, and the clinical and biochemical conditions of selection specified. The fasting morning level of serum thyrotrophin (TSH) was determined in all volunteers and found unchanged within the age interval 18-94 years, independent of sex. This is in disagreement with results obtained by other investigators who found an increase of TSH in old age. The implications of the criteria of selection are discussed. Nycterohemeral rhythm was studied in 16 persons. Rhythmic variation was an inconstant finding, and the pattern in the young could not be distinguished from that in the old. The TSH response to thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) was determined in 53 persons of various ages and found unrelated to age. Nonetheless, the lowest responses were observed in the aged, but the difference was not statistically significant. Possible physiological interpretations of an unaltered TSH secretion in spite of an age-related decrease in thyroid function are discussed.


Relationship between fatty acids of adipose tissue and plasma cholesterol. The fatty acid composition of adipose tissue from normal and hypercholesterolemic men and women was studied. We found a difference in the fatty acid composition between both sexes. A decrease in linoleic acid was found in hypercholesterolemic men, while there was an increase in palmitic and totally saturated acids in women. A decrease in total monounsaturated and in monounsaturated/saturated ratio was also found in women.


[Electrocardiographic modifications of chronic ischaemic cardiopathy in aged and old patients (author's transl)]. The author presents the results of an electrocardiographic investigation in a group of 160 inpatients, aged from 65 to 95 years (80 females and 80 males). Coronary ischaemia due to atherosclerosis produces in elderly people distinct clinical features and important ECG abnormalities. In this group, absence of correlation between clinical status and ECG modifications of myocardial ischaemia was found much more frequently than in non-elderly adults. In the aged, paroxysmal arrhythmias, by their metabolic and haemodynamic disturbances, determine in most cases the poor prognosis in these patients.


First impressions of a microcellular sponge pad in the prevention of bed sores. A new type of weight-bearing pad for bed-fast patients was evaluated during its use in the ward. It was found to be comfortable, easily cleaned and easily handled. Initial observations on nine patients suggested that the microcellular sponge pad helped to prevent the progress of pressure sores even when the patient's general state pointed to a likely deterioration in the lesion.


Vitamin C supplementation of old people with low blood levels. Ascorbic acid blood levels were estimated in 828 elderly people living in the community. 297 subjects with low blood levels were admitted to a 2-year controlled trial of vitamin C. Despite a rise in plasma and leucocyte levels, vitamin C produced no apparent benefit in terms of mortality, morbidity or mental senescence. On following up all those who were originally seen, it was found that a higher proportion of deaths occurred among subjects whose leucocyte levels were below 15 mug/10(8) cells than among the rest. This association was especially marked in the men; it was not due to smoking and was probably attributable to an effect of ill-health on blood levels, either directly or through impairment of appetite.


Does human pancreas contain salivary-type isoamylase? Amylase isoenzyme analysis was made of extracts of normal human pancreatic tissue by first conducting ion exchange chromatography of the purified material. This gave evidence of only pancreatic type (P-type) isoamylase for all purposes. However, when effluent fractions in which salivary type isoamylase would ordinarily be expected to be present were harvested, pooled, concentrated, and rechromatographed, the pancreatic extracts were found to contain some salivary type (S-type) isoamylase. The latter accounted for approximately 0-8 to 1-7% of the total recovered amylase activity. This finding of S-type isoamylase in normal human pancreas potentially has important bearing on the interpretation of isamylase analysis.


Kinetics of bile acid metabolism in experimental blind loop syndrome. In an experimental model of the contaminated small bowel syndrome, Eriksson's washout technique was used to study bile salt metabolism. Bile salt secretion rate was increased from 204-7 +/- SD 36-5 mumol/100 g body weight/24 h to 329-9 +/- 146-6, pool size from 33-4 +/- 5-4 mumol/100 g BW to 42-5 +/- 7-2, and biliary flow from 6-6 +/- 1-72 ml/100 g BW/24 h to 8-4 +/- 2.1. Detailed analysis of the washout curves gave indirect evidence of a short-circuit jejunohepatic shunt in the model contaminated small bowel syndrome. Parameters of this shunt were calculated with 9-1 mumol/100 g BW for 'short-circuit' pool size and 13-8 for its circulation frequency.


Gallstones after ileostomy and ileal resection. One hundred and eight patients with ileostomies were investigated for cholelithiasis at routine annual review in a large Ileostomy Clinic. Gallstones were demonstrated in 24-5%, which is three times the incidence that might have been expected in a population of this age and sex distribution. The frequency of cholelithiasis was significantly increased in those patients who had lost more than 10 cm of ileum at operation, regardless of whether the primary condition had been ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. It was significantly increased in those patients who had had a resection of less than 10 cm of ileum if the original condition had been Crohn's disease, but not if it had been colitis.


Gallbladder function, cholesterol stones, and bile composition. Gallbladder bile obtained at operation from five patients with no symptoms of biliary disease was undersaturated with cholesterol in every case. However, gallbladder bile from patients with stones composed of 97-100% crystalline cholesterol was on average just saturated with cholesterol when the gallbladder was functioning and undersaturated when it was not. Regardless of gallbladder function, the patients with stones had on average significantly more cholesterol in their bile than in the control group, but the differences between the mean composition of bile from functioning and non-functioning gallbladders were not significant. Common duct bile from patients with non-functioning and functioning gallbladders was on average supersaturated with cholesterol, but there was significantly more bile salt and significantly less cholesterol in the bile from patients with non-functioning gallbladders. Only in the case of patients with functioning gallbladders did the mean composition of the common duct and gallbladder biles differ significantly. The former contained significantly more cholesterol and less bile salt than the latter. It is suggested that patients with non-functioning gallbladders may be 'autocholecystectomised' with the duct bile reverting to a more 'normal' composition.


Progressive intrahepatic cholestasis (Byler's disease): case report. This paper reports the case of a child in which the clinical and laboratory data indicate a progressive intrahepatic cholestasis of the type described as Byler's disease. The histological and  histochemical findings suggest an intrahepatic cholestasis. Electron microscopy reveals interruptions of the bile canalicular membrane, which have been  described as characteristic of this disease. A striking feature in the present case is the remarkable increase of microfilamentous structures in the pericanalicular ectoplasm and in the hepatocytic cytoplasm. The findings suggest a primary disturbance in bile acid secretion as the casue of cholestasis, entailing a hypertrophy of pericanalicular microfilaments which supposedly play a role in the final step of biliary secretion.


Effect of vagotomy on secretin release in man. The release of secretin by intraduodenal acid has been measured by means of a highly sensitive radioimmunoassay in 12 normal subjects, 23 duodenal ulcer patients, and 14 vagotomized patients (6 TV + P; 4 SV + P;4 HSV). A highly significant response occurred in all three groups. There was no significant difference between the groups either in the magnitude or timing of this response, though the absolute values for pre-stimulation and peak secretin were significantly smaller in preoperative duodenal ulcer patients than in either the normal subjects or the vagotomized patients. The secretin response was similar after truncal, selective, and highly selective vagotomy. These results suggest that secretin release is not dependent on intact vagal innervation of the small intestine in man.


Postprandial osmotic and fluid changes in the upper jejunum after truncal vagotomy and drainage in man. The changes in osmotic pressure and the degree of marked dilution in the jejunal lumen after a hypertonic meal, have been studied in patients after truncal vagotomy and drainage, with and without diarrhoea, using an intraluminal intubation technique. The results suggest that neither the emptying of a hyperosmotic load from the stomach, nor its subsequent dilution in the jejunum have an important role in post-vagotomy diarrhoea.


Alcohol tolerance after proximal gastric vagotomy. Alcohol tolerance has been studied in 10 patients after proximal gastric vagotomy and six patients after truncal vagotomy and antrectomy. No difference in alcohol tolerance was found before and after proximal gastric vagotomy, while an increased rate of absorption with higher blood levels of alcohol were found after truncal vagotomy and antrectomy.


Mucosal lesions in the human small intestine in shock. Characteristic mucosal lesions in resected small intestinal segments from seven patients are reported. Preoperatively, four patients were in shock and general hypotension while the three remaining cases showed signs of local intestinal hypotension. The microscopic appearance of the mucosal lesions was in all patients identical with that previously observed in the feline and canine small intestine after haemorrhage or local intestinal hypotension. It is proposed that an extravascular short-circuiting of oxygen in the mucosal countercurrent exchanger and an intravascular aggregation of blood cells might produce tissue hypoxia which makes the mucosa vulnerable to enzymatic degradation.


Serum lysozyme in inflammatory bowel disease. The mean concentrations of serum lysozyme were markedly higher in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis than in normal controls, and mean levels tended to be slightly higher in those with Crohn's disease than in those with colitis. The significance of these differences is unclear but the overlap between values in normal individuals and those with inflammatory bowel disease prevents the measurement having any discriminant value.


External pancreatic secretion after bombesin infusion in man. The effect of bombesin on external pancreatic secretion was studied in seven healthy volunteers and intwo patients with a two-thirds gastrectomy and a pancreatic fistula. After bombesin infusion (15 ng/kg/min), gastrin levels were significantly raised in all volunteers, but remained at basal levels in the gastrectomized patients. Bombesin was effective in stimulating pancreatic secretion in all patients. The volume of secretion increased tow-fold when compared with basal volume. Amylase and trypsin concentrations and outputs in the duodenal juice were greatly agumented (amylase concentration: basal, 70 dye U/ml; post-bombesin, 620 dye U/ml. Amylase output: basal, 1000 dye U/15 min; post-bombesin, 15,800 dye U/15 min). Secretin, when administered in conjunction with bombesin, partially inhibited its secretory effect. Bicarbonate secretion was slightly stimulated by bombesin, but at a very low level. A similar pattern of results was obtained in the two gastrectomized patients. In man, bombesin exerts an effect on pancreatic secretion that mimics the effect of CCK-PZ, thus confirming the results obtained in the experimental animal. Gastrin does not play a fundamental role in this phenomenon.


Effect of secretin on release of heterogeneous forms of gastrin. The effect of an intravenous injection of secretin on plasma gastrin concentration is shown to be dependent upon the relative concentration of the major forms of immunoreactive gastrin present in the plasma at the time of injection. Secretin suppressed gastrin secretion in the fasting state in patients in whose plasma heptadecapeptide and big gastrins predominated and did not suppress when big big gastrin comprised more than 90% of plasma gastrin immunoreactivity. The post-secretin decrease in plasma gastrin was due entirely to the disappearance of the smaller, more rapidly degraded forms. Food-stimulated gastrin response was suppressed by secretin for the initial 40 minutes after a test meal but was greater than usual from 40 to 120 minutes.


[The problem of normal stability of the trapeziometacarpal joint]. In 50 healthy and asymptomatic people the stability of the trapeziometacarpal joint of the thumb was evaluated. A mean subluxation of 3,32 mm on the radial side (type 1), and of 0,32 mm on the dorsal side (type II) was found. At the minimum the joint was completely stable; the maximal value was 7 and 3 mm. Higher values must be estimated as pathological joint laxity.


[Treatment of pseudarthrosis of the scaphoid bone]. The best therapy for pseudarthrosis of the scaphoid bone is still contested. Various operative techniques are reviewed and our experience with 129 operations is discussed.


[The technic of "sensorimotor" differentiated fascicular suture of peripheral nerves]. A method for the differentiation of motor and sensory nerve fibres of mixed peripheral nerves is presented. This method is based on the different content of acetylcholinesterase in motor and sensory nerve axons. The median and ulnar nerves of 13 human cadavers were biopsied at the wrist within three hours post mortem. All specimens were stained after the method of KARNOVSKY. The axons of the motor nerve fibres with their high content of acetylcholinesterase thus were marked. In all the examined ulnar nerves the motor fibres were found in the ulnar part. They were different in size and figure. In the median nerves only 1 to 3 motor fascicles were found, which are localized in the palmar and radial section of the nerve. These motor fibres represent only a little part of the whole cross section of the median nerve. As a consequence of this method of differentiation between motor and sensory fibres the surgery of peripheral mixed nerves may be influenced.


[Mathematical considerations on nerve sutures]. Assuming that in nerve suture all proximal nerve fiber ends are connected to distal nerve fiber ends the mathematical probability of useful connections in a mixed nerve is evaluated. A connection between two motor fiber ends or between two sensory fiber ends is regarded as useful, whereas a connection between one motor end one sensory end is useless. It can be demonstrated, therefore, that the number of fiber ends, i. e. sensory or motor, which pre-dominate have the better chance for useful connections.


[Results of flexor tendon injuries. A comparative study of primary suture and secondary grafting]. This work describes the results of 75 flexor tendon repairs with all injuries involving the flexor tendons of the fingers either in the palm or in "no-man's land". Of these 75 cases, primary repair was performed in half the cases with flexor tendon grafts. Comparisons were made between these two varying methods of treatment, bearing in mind the nature and circumstances of the injury. In the group of primary tendon repairs, 60% of the patients showed good to very good results; in the grafted group, only 42% showed equally good results. From this study it is felt that primary tendon repair, when technically feasible, is the prefered procedure within the palm or the digits. Associated nerve and bone injuries were not found to be a contraindication to such an approach.


Parathyroid function in acromegaly.

Parathyroid function in acromegaly. Parathyroid function was assessed in six acromegalic subjects by measurement of serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Only one patient had increased PTH levels. These findings suggest that hyperparathyroidism does not uniformly occur in acromegaly.


Prolonged fasting in mice: a more sensitive approach to genetic diabetes. Effects of two different periods of fasting were studied on glucose tolerance and insulin response to glucose in genetically diabetic KK and nondiabetic C57BL/6J mice. Blood sugar levels of the KK mice did not differ markedly from those of the C57BL/6J mice at the fed state or after 8 h fasting. They were, however, significantly higher in the KK mice when fasted for 18 h. The serum IRI levels, which were at least twice as high in the KK mice, decreased more markedly after 18 h fasting. The KK mice showed impaired glucose tolerance after 8 h fasting, which became more pronounced after 18 h fasting. The insulin response to glucose in the KK mice was not altered after an 8-hour fast; it was, however, diminished greatly after an 18-hour fast. These data suggest that prolonged fasting is necessary to detect the diabetic traits in the KK mice. The C57BL/6J mice showed neither impaired glucose tolerance nor diminished insulin response to glucose at both periods of fasting. Studies with the F1 hybrids (KK male X C57BL/6J female), which carry half of the diabetic genes, suggest that the mode of inheritance of diabetes in the KK mice might be polygenic.


A subtelocentric chromosome 9 in a dysplastic 18-year-old boy with dissociated mental development. A subtelocentric C-group chromosome was identified as inv(9) (p24q12) in an 18-year-old young man who shows few dysplastic signs and who suffers from dissociated mental development. Pericentric inversions producing an almost metacentri No. 9 have been reported in several studies. The frequency of which proved to be high. There is an apparent lack, however, of inverted acro- or subtelocentric No. 9 reported in the literature. This obvious difference in the break points on chromosome 9 is most likely due to 1. hot-spots for chromosome breakage i.e. highly susceptible regions such as the euchromatic-heterochromatic junctions. 2. a higher degree of elimination against such acro- or subtelocentric chromosomes from one generation to the other.


The Bf locus in the HLA region of chromosome 6: linkage and association studies. Bf allele frequencies in a material of 172 unrelated Norwegians are given. Bf/HLA linkage relations in 49 informative matings with 178 children, and Bf/HLA association data of a material of 212 Bf-HLA haplotypes are presented. Of 171 informative meioses, there were no Bf-HLA-B recombinations, while 3 out of 158 Bf-HLA-A informative meioses showed recombination. There is significant association between the BfF and the HLA-BW35 allele. It is concluded that the Bf locus is situated on the HLA-B side of HLA-A within the HLA region, in very close proximity to HLA-B.


Trisomy 9p due to paternal translocation, t(9;13) (q13;q12). A 16-year-old girl with trisomy 9p is described. She had a short stature, severe mental retardation and the following abnormal clinical findings: peculiar face with hypertelorism, downward slanting palpebral fissures, convergent strabismus, a bulbous nose with broad and prominent bridge, short upper lip, narrow, high-arched palate; short neck with low hairline; severe kyphoscoliosis and a congenital clubfoot deformity; hypoplasia and dysplasia of several phalanges of the fingers and toes and some nails, a delay by about 6 years in bone age, and remarkable dermatoglyphic patterns. The father and 3 other family members carried a balanced translocation between chromosomes 9 and 13, t(9;13)(q13;q12).


Sister chromatid exchanges and chromatid interchanges in bloom's syndrome. A comparison is made between the incidences of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) per chromosome and group of chromosomes and breakage, visible at metaphase like open gaps, breaks, and breaks involved in chromatid interchange formation (CI) in Bloom's syndrome. It can be shown that the two levels of breakage SCE and CI are not correlated as to the locations. The discussion deals with possible interpretations of preferential breakage and reunion at certain homologous chromosomes and the difficulties today to understand SCEs.


A technique for in situ karyotyping of primary amniotic fluid cell cultures. A time proven technique is described for growing amniotic fluid cell cultures on cover glasses in Leighton tubes and for processing the mitotic cells in situ. Karyotyping the clones in situ eliminates most of the problems caused by somatic chromosome mutations in vitro and by maternal cell growth.


Climate associated variations in the human serum albumin level. Quantitative determinations of the human serum albumin level showed significantly higher values in tropical (Negroes 46.98 mg/ml, Indians 54.30 mg/ml) than in non-tropical populations (Germans 44.41 mg/ml). These observations are in agreement with those of several other authors. It is assumed that these variations in the serum albumin level are related to climate, and that they may indicate some biological advantage of higher albumin levels under the climatic conditions of tropical biotops. This hypothesis is discussed considering several aspects.


Cytological and cytogenetical studies on brain tumors. VI. No evidence for a translocation in 22-monosomic meningiomas. The recently detected reciprocal translocations in chronic myeloic leucemia (CML) and Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) made it necessary to clarify if meningiomas really show the described monosomy 22 or also a translocation. In 10 out of 12 meningiomas a total or partial translocation of the missing chromosome 22 to another chromosome could be ruled out by fluorescence banding analysis. Two meningiomas showed marker chromosomes of such a complex composition that it was impossible to decide if a 22 translocation was present or not. From these results it was concluded that meningioma cells, in contrast to CML and BL, show almost regularly a loss of a definitive part of their genome.


Diode pump cochlear audition theory.

Diode pump cochlear audition theory. A model of the cochlea is developed whereby the motion of the basilar membrane due to sound pressure in the scala media creates, through the pivotal motion of the pillars of Corti, modulated pressure on the fluid in the inner sulcus. This modulated pressure causes fluid to flow through the tectorial gap at selected longitudinal positions along the basilar membrane causing excitation or inhibition of the hair cell activity depending upon the direction of fluid flow. Specific functional relationships are developed for a two component model composed of a resonant and a nonresonant region. Relevant experimental data show good agreement with the predictions of the model.


Visual localization and discrimination in squirrel monkeys with bilateral lesions of the superior colliculus. This study measured the effects of superior colliculus (SC) lesions on skill at localizing stationary or moving objects, and on ability to discriminate between objects which differed in pattern or brightness in squirrel monkeys. Bilateral electrolytic lesions of the SC were made in 8 monkeys (EXP group); the lesions in 5 (SC group) were restricted essentially to the SC (22-25% damaged), the other 3 had additional unilateral damage to the midbrain reticular formation (10 to 14% damage to SC). The control group (N = 15) consisted of 9 unoperated, 3 sham-operated, and 3 lesioned-control monkeys. General cage behavior of the EXP group was not significantly changed as a result of the lesions. Eye movements were observed in all monkeys with SC lesions. Pupillary constrictions to light were also present except for a temporary unilateral mydriasis (two cases). On tests which measured reaction time, localization ability, and brightness discrimination, performance between the SC and control groups did not differ significantly. The SC group compared with controls, however, required more total trials to learn to criterion the pattern discrimination (p less than .05), and made significantly fewer correct choices (p less than .02) at the middle delay interval of the delayed response test. The two groups did not differ significantly at the shorter or longer delays. With regard to the possible neural mechanism, it is suggested that the SC of primates may influence level of arousal and contribute to ability to discriminate visual detail.


Figural after-effects of Köhler and Wallach reinterpreted. A theory of perception is extended to figural after-effects which has been used already to rationalize the illusory phenomena of static visual illusions, fluctuating figures and visual illusions of motion. The theory proposes three laws of perception. All of the extensive observations of Köhler and Wallach are rationalized under these laws embodying the present theoretical orientation. The theory maintains that the experience of perception occurs only during the interaction of forces introduced by a pattern with the forces characteristic of the brain in order to produce the greatest equilibrium within the two systems of forces. A pattern is not reproduced in the brain. A pattern produces a system of forces. Neither the image of the pattern nor its forces impinging on the nervous system produce the perceptual experience. It is during the process of interaction of the forces of the pattern with the forces of the brain and only during this interaction that perception is experience. This interaction is a constant process to integrate the incompatibilities existing between the two system of forces.


Three principles of brain function and structure. A large part of the presently available data in the physiology and anatomy of the nervous system is found to be consistent with three comparatively simple principles. Phrased in the terminology introduced in the paper, the first of these expresses the assumption of specificity of neuron response, the second states the biological equivalent of a maximum principle believed to govern the formation and modication of interneuronal connectivity, and the third describes the probable role of genetically determined gross anatomy in securing the groundwork for developing neurospecificity. A number of remarks are included, and an extensive discussion of the evidence behind the principles.


Family unit therapy, the institution of the family and positive mental health. Family unit therapy (F. U. T.) is conceptually differentiated from family member therapy (F. M. T). Clinical material is used to demonstrate the potential of F. U. T. for inducing positive-adaptive changes in the family, as a system, and in the functioning of its members, as related to Emotional Capital (EC), Autonomy (A), Self-Regulation (SR) and Competence (C). The implications of this experience and of some family research for social action are discussed. Questions are also raised about established and socially significant diagnostic and treatment practices, in dealing with emotionally and intellectually deprived children who are slow to develop.