The phenylquinolizidines of the seedlings of Heimia salicifolia. Two isomeric 2-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)quinolizidines (3 and 9a), differing in the configuration of the bridgehead carbon, have been isolated from 5 to 10-day-old seedlings of Heimia salicifolia. The phenylquinolizidol with the cis ring juncture is shown to exist, in solution, as an equilibrium of conformers. 2-Keto-4-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)quinolizidine (5) has been isolated from the seedlings by radioactive dilution.


Alkaloid screening. VIII.

Alkaloid screening. VIII. One thousand plant extracts were screened for the presence of alkaloids. The number of positive tests was 185 (18.5%). There are 107 new alkaloid-containing species.


The performance of seat belts in severe crashes. This paper reports an intensive follow-up study of persons injured while wearing seat belts in crashes. Examinations of both vehicles and persons were carried out after the crash, and 30 out of 54 (55.5%) persons were judged to have been wearing seat belts at impact. Eight received injuries from the seat belt, only four of these injuries being severe, and none was fatal. A roadside survey showed that half of the occupants wearing seat belts had them adjusted incorrectly. This compared with nearly 90% of the crash cases having incorrectly adjusted belts. There is therefore an association between incorrectly worn seat belts and injury. The seat belt buckle seems to be a possible cause of injury in this situation, especially when worn in from of the hip, and with a loose belt. Comparison of police reports of belt wearing for the study cases suggests an underestimate of about 10% in the wearing rate if police data are used.


Teaching medical students how to care for the dying. An experimental course for medical students is described in which the main focus in on the development of a continuing relationship between a medical student and a terminally ill patient. The goals of the course, its format, its evaluation by both patient and student participants, the problems encountered and the implications for instruction on death and dying are discussed.


Death by drowning? Geelong 1959 to 1974. This paper reviews the circumstances of 142 deaths by drowning which occurred in Geelong and district during the years 1959 to 1974. The effectiveness of safety nets and protective fences as a means of preventing the accidental submersion of young children in home swimming pools is questioned. Consumption of alcohol before submersion played a major role in the death of many adult males. Of males aged 26 years and over, 79% imbibed alcohol before death, and 57% had a blood alcohol concentration greater than 0.1% at autopsy. Of males aged 17 to 25 years of age, 25% imbibed alcohol before death and only half of these had a blood alcohol concentration greater than 0.1% at autopsy. The age preponderance for consumption of alcohol and drowning is opposite to that for fatal motor vehicular accidents (in these males aged 17 to 25 years more frequently have significant blood alcohol concentrations at autopsy than males aged 26 years and over). No female consumed alcohol before submersion. The writer suggests that the public, and in particular males aged 26 years and over, should be warned as forcibly against the dangers of "swimming and drinking" and "boating and drinking" as they are against the dangers of "driving and drinking".


Central anticholinergic syndrome reversed by tetrahydroaminacrine (tha). A case of central anticholinergic syndrome after an overdose of orphenadrine citrate (Norflex), treated with tetrahydroaminacrine (THA, Tacrine) is presented. A possible mechanism for the syndrome is discussed in relation to other psychotic states, and the use of anticholinesterase agents in the treatment of toxic psychoses reviewed.


The nurse in a cancer ward.

The nurse in a cancer ward. The value of discussion groups in clarifying the problems facing nurses who manage patients suffering from cancer is stressed. Nurses' responses to a questionnaire centered around the nursing of patients are examined. Some suggestions are made regarding the training of staff members who work in cancer wards.


Serum insulin levels in diabetics after subcutaneous administration of Rapitard insulin. Circulating levels of immunoreactive inculin were measured in six diabetics after the subcutaneous injection of Rapitard insulin. Serum insulin levels rose within 15 minutes, with a peak level generally at one to three hours. A biphasic effect was observed in some but not all patients. There was poor correlation among the six patients between the blood glucose levels and serum insulin levels, and between the injected dose and the serum levels.


Idiopathic orthostatic hypotension controlled with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and 9-alpha-fluorohydrocortisone. A case of orthostatic hypotension with autonomic failure is presented, and the patient's clinical response to the combined regime of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and 9-alpha-fluorohydrocortisone is discussed. This therapy provided a relatively convenient means of alleviating the patient's symptoms and appears to be of considerable value in the management of orthostatic hypotension. However, close patient supervision is essential when these drugs are used as they cause hypertension in the supine position in subjects with poor baroreceptor function.


Cystinuria and its relationship to mental retardation. Urine specimens from 2,073 mentally retarded children have been analysed for their amino acid content, with the aim of determing the relationship of cystinuria and mental retardation. No children homozygous for cystinuria were identified, but 50 heterozygous children were found. This heterozygote incidence is 13 times that expected in our general population.


Emotional factors in family planning.

Emotional factors in family planning. the need to have a baby; the need to have a particular baby; the need to have a baby at a particular time; "bad" feelings about conception control; those at greatest risk of unwanted pregnancy through emotional factors. A schema for assessing relevant emotional factors, while at the same time raising the individual's own consciousness about motivation, is given. The doctor's role in the management of such emotional factors and his own relevant emotional responses are considered.


Breast cancer in Queenland fifteen years after treatment. The incidence of carcinoma of the breast in this Australian series is as high as in most countries of the world, and remains high with increasing age. The mortality rate from cancer is highest in the first three years after treatment of the primary disease, but, even after 10 years, deaths from cancer are nearly as frequent as those from intercurrent disease. At least 25% of patients had advanced disease at initial presentation. A 25% 15-year survival rate is reported in a series of mixed stage at the time of initial treatment, which was by simple mastectomy and radiotherapy in 75% of cases. Large tumours without evidence of axillary metastasis T3N0M0) often had a surprisingly good prognosis. The site of first reappearance of the tumour was local in 30-6% of cases, systemic in 38-4% of cases, and in the opposite breast in 7-6% of cases. It was not possible to classify the remaining 23-4% either because of incomplete information or, more usually, because of synchronous development of local and systemic recurrence. Of patients who developed local recurrence in this group, 83% showed generalized metastatic disease within 10 years of the appearance of the recurrent disease.


General practitioner prescribing habits; The Western Australian experience, 1972-1973. A research project to assess the possibility of modifying general practitioner prescribing habits in Western Australia is described. The results suggest a high level of acceptance of the drug information provided, and a significant alteration in prescribing habits is reported along the lines which might have been predicted.


Repair in Schizosaccharomyces pombe as measured by recovery from caffeine enhancement of radiation-induced lethality. Inhibition of DNA repair by caffeine is manifested in Schizosaccharomyces pombe wild-type cells as an enhancement of UV- or gamma-irradiation-induced lethality. The progress of DNA repair processes involving one or more caffeine-sensitive steps may be conveniently followed by measuring the concomitant decrease of this lethal enhancement effect. By measuring, during post-irradiation incubation, the ability of cells to overcome susceptibility to repair inhibition by caffeine, we have determined the time course and requirements for repair in S. pombe. Recovery began immediately and took 150-200 min after gamma-irradiation and more than 500 min after UV-irradiation, for exposures which gave about 10% survival in the absence of caffeine. An incubation medium capable of supporting growth was required for caffeine-sensitive repair; no recovery occurred under liquid holding conditions. Survival curves after various recovery times indicated that a logarithmic phase cell population was homogeneous with respect to caffeine-sensitive repair of both UV- and gamma-ray-induced damage. Recovery from caffeine inhibition was compared for cells of different physiological states (logarithmic and stationary phase); although the importance of the physiological state was not the same for the two types of radiation, recovery was found to occur more rapidly in the more radiation-resistant state, in each case.


DNA polymerase of Ustilago maydis: partial characterization of the enzyme and a pol 1 mutation. The major DNA polymerase activity of wild-type U. maydis has been extensively purified. It possesses a molecular weight of about 150,000 daltons and appears to require a DNA primer with a 3'-hydroxyl terminus as well as a template. The polymerase activity has also been purified from the pol 1-1 strain, which is temperature sensitive fro growth and DNA synthesis, and which at the restrictive temperature contains only 10-25% levels of the DNA polymerase activity obtained from wild-type strains. It was similar in all properties studied, except that the activity was thermolabile at 40 degrees C compared to that from the wild-type strain. Physiological studies on the mutant showed that it was only slightly sensitive to UV, ionising radiation and nitrosoguanidine at the permissive temperature, and was proficient in genetic recombination. The results suggest that the pol 1-1 gene product does not play an important role in repair and recombination processes within the cell, and that its primary function lies in replication.


Role of the tof gene in the production and perpetuation of the lambdadv plasmid. A series of lambda derivatives carrying tof mutations were tested for their ability to give rise to plasmid lambda dv. Phages carrying tof mutations that distorted expression of the pRoR-tof-OP operon, were unable to produce lambda dv. Phages carrying an altered tof gene, having only a moderate effect on the same operon, produced unstable lambdadv's. On the other hand, those tof mutants were only the expression of the pLoL-N-exo operon, but not that of the pRoR-tof-OP operon was affected, produced stable lambdadv's.


[Indications and technics of trans-obturator by pass]. Starting from a clinical case in which a trans-obturator by-pass was necessary, the most recent findings as regards the technique of this and its indications are reviewed. The procedure is to be considered a valid alternative in cases of ischaemic revascularization when the usual Scarpa triangle route cannot be used.


[Potassium canreonate in neurosurgical brain edema]. The effect on the hydroelectrolytic metabolism and on the evolution of cerebral oedema of a new injectable aldosterone-antagonist, canreonate-potassium (Soldactone) was studied in two groups of subjects. The first group consisted of 14 patients who had undergone neurosurgical operations for expansive endocranial processes. The second group consisted of 18 non-operated cases of post-traumatic coma. The water-salt balance and the neurologic picture were carefully controlled during anf after 6-8 days of treatment with 600 mg/day of canrenoate-potassium by intravenous route. Comparison was also made between the conventional treatment with hyperventilation and that combined with canrenoate-K. The results obtained demonstrate that the aldosterone-antagonist induces a clinically significant retention of sodium. This is accompanied by a more favourable evolution of the cerebral oedema. Canrenoate-potassium was very well tolerated both locally and generally.


[Pharmacological treatment of pre-operative arrhythmias in surgical heart patients]. The theoretical dangers associated with surgery and narcosis in subjects with arrhythmia are briefly explained. The preventive effectiveness of potassium aspartate management is described with reference to personal experience.


[New method for preparation of the totally hepatectomized dog. Critical review of the literature and surgical technics]. A critical review of the relevant literature is followed by the presentation of a new method for total hepatectomy in the dog. This is carried out in a single stage. Its main advantage is there is no temporary interruption of the portal or portocaval flow. A synthetic prosthesis is anastomosed end-to-end with the subhepatic vena cava and end-to-side with the supradiaphragmatic cava. Next, the portal vein is anastomosed side-to-side with the prosthesis and ligated upstream. Hepatectomy is then performed.


[Morphology and distribution of vasa recta in the jejunal-ileal tract of the small intestine]. The behaviour and distribution of "vasa recta" in the jejunum-ileal tract of the small intestine are described.


[Treatment of penile neoplasms by means of loco-regional intra-arterial therapy]. Treatment of cancer of the penis with locoregional intra-arterial therapy.


[Voluminous ovarian cyst in a newborn girl]. The clinical observation of an ovarian cyst occurring as an abdominal tumefraction at birth, is described.


[Mediastinal abscess secondary to laceration of the esophagus due to foreign body in a girl (recovery)]. A case of mediastinal abscess caused by laceration of the oesophagus on removal of a coin swallowed by a young girl is reported. Complete, sequela-free cure was obtained by drainage of the pleural cavity and application of an indwelling nasogastric sound.


Combination chemotherapy in breast cancer: a randomized study of 4 versus 5 drugs. A randomized clinical trial, involving approximately 100 patients, that compared two combination therapy regimens (5 FU, methotrexate, vincristine, cyclophosphamide with and without prednisone) in advanced breast cancer showed a significantly higher rate of response for the 5-drug therapy group (62.5 versus 44.2%). However, no significant difference in survival has been observed to date. Some differences in toxicity were observed, e.g. a significantly greater number of cases with mild diarrhea for the 5-drug regimen, and a few more cases of sensory loss (not significant) and significantly more severe leukopenia (p value 0.06) for the 4-drug regimen.


Ameloblastoma of the mandible with pulmonary metastasis. A patient with ameloblastoma of the mandible with histologically confirmed pulmonary metastases 9 years after onset of tumor is described. The effectiveness of three chemotherapeutic agents (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, Adriamycin), each given alone intravenously, were evaluated. Marked symptomatic improvement was noted with Adriamycin therapy. Ten previous cases of metastatic ameloblastoma are reviewed. The incidence of metastases cannot be predicted on the basis of histology. Three commonly discussed modes of metastasis are via hematogenous and lymphatic routes and the unusual mechanism of aspiration of tumor cells.


Batson's theory of vertebral venous metastasis: a review. In 1940, Batson (6) ushered in a new era with the theory that metastasis occurs through the vertebral veins. It was based on the premises that metastatic tumors may show typical peculiar distributions, that such patterns have not been adequately explained by orthodox theories, and that cadaver and animal injection experiments reveal the existence of a network of vertebral veins whose vast interconnections explain the puzzling patterns seen in metastases. Undoubtedly, Batson's theory has been widely acclaimed. However, several criticisms are on record. The prevailing controversy needs to be resolved. The prospects are that this can be achieved by further research in this important field.


Gross and microscopic observations of ovarian abnormalities from five Burchell's zebra, Equus Burchelli antiquorum, Smith 1841. Five pair of zebra ovaries were submitted to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Research Institute for examination because of unusual uni- and/or bilateral gross appearances. Microscopic findings revealed an accessory spleen encapsulated by the ovarian peritoneum, a case of tubo-ovarian cysts, one example of ovarian aplasia, an example of germinal inclusion cysts and an abnormal follicular haemorrhage related to pressure necrosis of a nearby corpus luteum. Similarities to the ovary of the domestic mare were also seen and some are briefly described.


Observations on naturally acquired hepatozoonosis of wild carnivores and dogs in the Republic of South Africa. Hepatozoonosis was studied in hyaenas, lions, jackals, cheetahs and one leopard in the Kruger National Park and compared with the condition seen in dogs in the Republic of South Africa. Hepatozoon schizonts were found in the wild carnivores. The genesis of microschizonts was followed and is illustrated. The schizonts were sometimes very plentiful in the lung, myocardium and skeletal muscle, and were also encountered in the spleen, liver and lymph nodes. Gametocytes were present in leucocytes. The host response was usually very mild. sporogenous development in ticks was observed in Rhipicephalus simus females removed from an infected hyaena and R. sanguinelus adults fed on an infected jackal in the nymphal stage. Attempts to transmit Hepatozoon from a jackal to dogs by means of ticks gave inconclusive results.


Blindness and encephalopathy caused by Helichrysum argyrosphaerum DC. (Compositae) in sheep and cattle. An outbreak of amaurosis and paresis was observed amongst sheep, and occasionally cattle, which had been grazing on pastures consisting mainly of Helichrysum argyrosphaerum DC. A similar syndrome was produced by feeding the suspect plant to sheep, thereby providing proof if its toxicity. Although none of the sheep became blind and only one developed paralysis, typical sponly lesions were detected in the brains and optic fasciculi of all the experimental animals. The lesion had specific predilection sites, such as the white matter around the lateral ventricles, the optic tracts plus chiasm, the pyramidal tracts and the brachium pontis. Enlargement of the optic fasciculi furthermore gave rise to malacia, papilloedema and retinal changes. Some aged sheep developed cataracts approximately 2-3 months after the initial outbreaks of amaurosis had occurred. Circumstantial and histopathological evidence suggests that the cataracts may be due to chronic Helichrysum poisoning, but this could not confirmed in the present investigation.


[Diplaxine popovae gen. et sp. n., a new representative of the family Axinidae Unnithan, 1957 (Monogenoidea)]. A new species belonging to a new genus of Monogenoidea was found on the gills of Euleptorhamphus viridis from the Indian Ocean. The opisthohaptor of the new genus consists of two medially overlapping rows of clamps situated on a double fold along the oblique posterior margin of the body. Clamp are of Microcotyle type, their springs having accessory pieces. Three pairs of larval hooks are present. The genital atrium is armed with three groups of spines. The first group comprises spines surrounding the female aperture; the second one surrounds the cirrus in an incomplete circle; the third group consists of two lateral groups of spines arising from two muscular pad-like structures. Vagina armed with a chitionous spine opens on the right-hand side which is longer than the left-hand one. Behind the U-shaped ovarium vitellaria merge in an undifferentiated mass and completely cover the branches of the intestine and the testes. The new genus is close to the genera Chlamydaxine Unnithan, 1957 and Axine Abildgaard, 1794 differing from the former by an armed genital atrium and from the latter by two medially overlapping rows of clamps.


[Comparative study of different strains of the dwarf tapeworm, Hymenolepis nana in the process of adapting to the body of a new host, the white mouse]. Different strains of H. nana from man, Norway and white rats were studied in regards to their adaptability. Strains obtained from spontaneously infected white mice and those passaged for several years on white mice served as control. In the course of successive passages the infectivity of these strains, developmental rates of tissue larvae, localization of cystocercoids in the small intestine and mesenteric lymph glands were compared. The strains were found to possess different adaptability to white mice. The strain from white rats had the highest rate of adaptation, the strains from Norway rats and man showed lower adaptation rates, respectively.


[Ecology of the tick, Dermacentor silvarum O1]. Results of the experiments have shown that the development of Dermacentor silvarum from egg to imago varied from 44 to 46 days at 28 C and redundant humidity and from 50 to 52 days at 25 degrees C. The thermic threshold of larval development lies within a range of 8.6 degrees C, that of nymphs-9.7 degrees C. A sum of effective temperatures required for larval development averaged 123.5 degrees C, for nymphs-225 degrees C and for the whole ontogenesis-from 570 to 690 degrees C. In the north of the distribution area of D. silvarum this species seems to occur only in those localities, where a sum of effective temperatures is higher than 10 C and makes not less than 570 degrees C.


[Morphology and biology of 2 ecotypes of Chaetogaster lymnaei, Baer, 1827]. Chaetogaster lymnaei (Oligochaeta, Naididae) has two life forms one of which is a commensal of pulmonae mollusks and the other--an endoparasite of Radix ovata Kidney. On the basis of statistical analysis of the second body segment chaetae morphological differences of the two races are considered. Their geographical distribution and biological peculiarities are discussed. The races of Gh. lymnaei represent two divergating sympatrical ecotypes rather than biological species as it was thought before.


[Distribution and some problems in the ecology of the tick, Ixodes trianguliceps Bir. in the southern Urals]. Data on the distribution and ecology of Ixodes trianguliceps in the South Urals are presented. This species occurs in various landscapes of the forest zone of the South Urals between 52 degrees 11' and 52 degrees 22' N. lat. It infects 9 species of small mammals of which species of the genus Clethrionomys were found to be the major hosts of I. trianguliceps in this area.


[New subspecies of Prosimulium macropyga korshunovi Patrusheva subsp. n. (Diptera, Simuliidae) from the Polar Urals]. A new subspecies, Prosimulium macropyga korshunovi Patr. subsp. n., from the Polar Urals differs from other forms of P. macropyga (Lundstr.) and allied species in having two dark longitudinal stripes on the dorsum and by the structure of genitalia in adult insects, by the number of setae in the great flabellum, by the structure of submentum and shape of the ventral incision in larvae and by the branching pattern of respiratory threads in pupa.


[Life expectancy of Ctenophthalmus wladimiri Is.-Gurv., 1948 (Siphonaptera, Ctenophthalmidae) under laboratory conditions]. Laboratory studies have shown that at 75% humidity fleas, Ct. wladimiri, are less viable than at 100% humidity. At 100% humidity at a temperature from 0 to 10 degrees and without feeding newly born imagos survived up to 363 days, at a higher temperature from 18 to 30 degrees-from 44 to 163 days. At a temperature from 7 to 10 degrees imagos, which fed one time, lived up to 355 days and at 0 to 2 degrees-up to 287 days. Maximum life duration (1133 days) for periodically feeding fleas was at 100% humidity at a temperature from 7 to 10 degrees. Under such conditions 50% of fleas survived up to 114 days. Hungry but previously "prepared" for winter fleas lived at a temperature from 0 to 2 degrees not more than 376 days.


Analysis of various Iowa waters for selected pesticides: atrazine, DDE, and dieldrin-1974. Atrazine, DDE, and dieldrin were extracted and concentrated from various surface, subsurface, and finished waters using the macroreticular resin method. Organic components in the concentrates from these waters were separated by gas chromatography; the amounts of the three pesticides in the waters ranged from 0.5 to 42,000 parts per trillion by weight. Every major watershed in the State of Iowa revealed some degree of pesticide contamination and seasonal variations were consistent with agricultural runoff models. Atrazine concentrations were highest of the three pesticides, a symptom of its widespread use in the corn belt. DDE also appeared in substantial quantities, providing further evidence of the persistence of DDT and its metabolites. Water from several shallow wells and finished water from many water treatment plants were also contaminated. Current treatment processes do not effectively remove these pesticides.


Mirex residues in nontarget organisms after application of experimental baits for fire ant control, southwest Georgia--1971-72. Mirex, the only compound approved for control of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) and the black imported fire ant (Solenopsis richteri), is normally applied at a rate of 1.40 kg/ha. (1.25 lb/acre). Influenced by recent studies showing that low levels of mirex are toxic to certain nontarget organisms, particularly estuarine species, authors report here on a monitoring study of mirex in three large treatment areas of southwest Georgia. Four formulations of bait were applied aerially in 1971-72. Low-level residues were observed in small terrestrial vertebrates and invertebrates and in fresh-water inhabitants. Levels detected were about the same for all baits. Maximum residues were detected 1-3 months after treatment and gradually declined to low levels of 0.02-1.16 ppm 1 year after treatment.


[Data on the distribution of Ixodes pavlovskyi Pom. in the Altai (Acarina, Ixodidae)]. In the Mountain-Altai Autonomous district Ixodes pavlovskyi is mostly often encountered in forests of the lower parts of the low mountains. In the other parts of the low mountains and in the neighbouring belt of the middle mountains the species is rare. Only single individuals of this tick penetrate into the central regions of the Altai along the valleys of large rivers.


[Photoperiodic induction of the diapause in the egg phase of the blood-sucking midge, Culicoides pulicaris punctatus Mg. (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae)]. Photoperiodic induction of diapause in C. p. punctatus was studied at a constant (25 degrees) and varying temperature (16 to 18 degrees). Photosensitivity of females and eggs was established. The first and second generations of C. p. punctatus have a photoperiodic reaction of a long-day type. The effect of the light day and temperature on females of different generations is dissimilar. The tendency of diapause is higher in autumn females.


Mirex residues in wildlife and soils, Hawaiian pineapple-growing areas--1972-74. A monitoring program was conducted in the pineapple-growing areas of Hawaii from 1972 to 1974 to survey mirex residues in sediments, soils, and aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Residues in pineapple field soils ranged from 3 to 18 ppb 9 months after mirex had been applied. No residues were found in the sediments. Only 8 fish of 110 aquatic animals sampled contained mirex; these levels were low and ranged from 3 to 7 ppb. Mirex residues in birds ranged from undetectable to 10 ppm; residues in rodents were quite variable, but in terms of the geometric mean, the amounts in the Polynesian rat decreased with time from 1,270 to 56 ppb. Similarly, values for the roof rat ranged from 666 to 17 ppb. The geometric mean for residues in mongooses decreased from 2,200 ppb immediately after application to 238 ppb 39 weeks later. Aerial application of mirex to the pineapple fields did not contaminate the marine environment of Hawaii and no evidence of mirex residue buildup in the aquatic food chain was apparent. Mirex accumulation in terrestrial biota was temporary; there was no definitive indication of permanent accumulation in the wildlife of the areas studied.


[Duration and character of the course of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the midday gerbil (Meriones meridianus Pall.)]. The development of the infection process during cutaneous leishmaniosis was traced in one midday gerbil (Meriones meridianus Pall). The gerbil fell ill with cutaneous leishmaniosis after the feeding of san flies of Phlebotomus papatasi and Ph. mongolensis on it. The incubation process of the disease was less than 23 days. Leishmaniosic process began at the base of the concha auriculae and caused the destruction of ear tissues. The complete recover set in 67 days after the infection. Thus, the insignificant duration of the disease does not allow leishmaniae to be preserved in midday gerbils from one season to another.


[Ticks on lemmings in the eastern Taimyr]. 13 taxons of mites associated with lemmings and their nests are reported from East Taimyr. Mass. species are as follows: Parsitus (Eugamasus) sp., L. lemmi, Hg. ambulans, H. isabellinus. Irregular spread of mites in the lemmings'nests favours the creation of conditions sutiable for the circulation of agents of transmissible infections. A more regular distribution of these mites on the animals points to the mixing of the mites population that effects the dissemination of agents. The finding of females with effs (Hg. ambulans, H. isabellinus) on the animals and their simultaneous absence in the nests of the latter show that in the northern parts of the distribution areas of these species their life patterns have an epizootic character.


[Effect of the prolonged contact of a flea population with plague bacteria on the infective activity of vetors]. Results of the experimental infection of fleas (X. cheopis) with the plague agent after their long (2.5 years, 19 generations) feeding on infected white mice showed no difference in the infection activity of these insects as compared to control ones. The authors question the hypothesis according to which a low frequency of protein-formation in some species of fleas is due to their long contact with the plague agent in the historical past.


[Encephalopathy in acute hepatic atrophy. Effect of the purification of middle molecules. Preliminary results]. The authors have achieved 5 complete recoveries from coma and two partial recoveries in 9 non-decerebrate patients in coma due to acute hepatic atrophy by using polyacrylonitrile membrane haemodialysis. Survival was not possible until sufficient hepatic regeneration had developed. On the other hand, repeated returns to consciousness were observed with prolonged survival lasting up to 40 days despite almost complete destruction of the liver. The different hypothesis relating to the mechanism of the encephalopathy and the usefulness of such a procedure are discussed: filtration of ammonia, free fatty-acids, role of amino-acids and possible polypeptides.


[New species of cestodes, Aploparaksis parabirulai sp. n. (Hymenolepididae) from sandpipers in Chukot]. Description and drawings of a new species Aploparaksis parabirulai sp. n. from the intestine of Macrorhamphus griseus, caught in west Chukotka, are given. The main pecularities of the species are such the hooks of the probosis are 0.031--0.034 mm long; cirrus 0.13--0.14 mm long is armed with big triangle spines; vittelaria are situated aporal. Differentiation from related species--A. birulai Linstow, 1905, A. crassipenis Deblock et Rausch, 1968 and A. crassirostris (Krabbe, 1869) is given.


[New species of ectoparasitic nematode of the genus Trichodorus from the coniferous forests of the Far East]. The diagnosis and figure are given of the new species of nematodes, Trichodorus yokooi sp. n., isolated from the risosphere of Abies nephrolepis and Picea ajanensis in the Maritime Territory. The new species is close to three japanese species described by Yokoo (1964, 1966) but differs from them in the spear size, the location of ventromedial papilles, excretory pore and suplementary organs, and in the structure of vagina and ovaries.


[Test of provoked arterial hypertension. Value and limitations of the static exercise of prolonged handgrip]. The used of a test of prolonged grip and recording the changes in arterial blood-pressure and heart rate is suggested as a way of studing the blood-pressure changes of effort in hypertensives. This test provides a real screen for provoqued hypertension: it allows --to define a normal profile of reference for blood-pressure, --to check the fluctuations at rest of blood-pressure, --to determine the severity of haemodynamic dissorders, --to judge the efficiency of hypotensive therapy.


[Correlation between scleroderma and Sjogren's syndrome. Value of systematic biopsy of the labial salivary glands]. Thirty one patients with generalised scleroderma underwent labial biopsy. Sixteen showed a nodular infiltration of the accessory salivary glands indicative of Sjögren's syndrome. In 21, intralobular fibrosis was present. More common in those forms with extensive cutaneous involvement, collagenous fibrosis would appear to be a direct manifestation of scleroderma. The frequency of these abnormalities poses the problem of immunological competence with respect to lymphocytic labial infiltrates in generalised scleroderma.


Pulmonary lesions in the course of rheumatoid arthritis in children. Pulmonary morphological lesions are described in 16 children who died of rheumatoid arthritis. In all of them the disease had a stormy course. Generalized amyloidosis was the most frequent cause of death. The majority of cases showed clinical and morphological lung lesions. The lung lesions were only rarely the chief cause of death. There were no formations of the type of rheumatoid nodule nor diffuse lung fibrosis. There was only peribronchial and perivascular fibrosis as well as thickening of interalveolar septa. The most frequent abnormalities, namely lung congestion and edema could result from extrapulmonary causes or agony. Although the observed lung lesions are nonspecific, they can reflect the generalization of the disease.


Signs of coronary atherosclerosis in apparently healthy men with different types of hyperlipoproteinaemia. Subjectively healthy males exhibiting markedly elevated fasting serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations at a health control examination were analysed. The prevalence of different types of hyperlipoproteinaemia and of ST segment depression during exercise indicating myocardial ischaemia was determined (4.1--4.3 Minnesota code). Encountered types and numbers of subjects with hyperlipoproteinaemia (HLP) were as follows: type IV-94, IIA-31, IIB-14, III-11. The frequency of ST segment depression within each HLP type was as follows: type IIB-65%, IIA--40%,III-35%,IV-30% and in controls with non-elevated serum lipids 10%.


Cultivation of WISH cells in medium containing actinomycin D. A dose of 0.0015 mug of Actinomycin D per 1 ml, applied for 4-5 days has some inhibitory effect on RNA and protein synthesis, leading to a diminished proliferation of WISH cells. This dose does not exert a destructive effect on cell morphology. Two to four times higher doses, applied for the same time were toxic. Morphological changes observed at various times of exposure of cells to different concentrations of drug as well as changes in cell proliferation are described. The attempts to select Actinomycin D-resistant cells have failed.


[The influence of effective treatment of diabetes mellitus and obesity on the plasma concentration of immunoreactive insulin]. A study was made of 16 patients with the initial mild form of diabetes mellitus in whom the immunoreactive insulin (IRI) indices in glucose loading pointed to a good reactivity of the beta-cells of the insular apparatus of the pancreas. As a result of the dietetic treatment or therapy with saccharolytic oral preparations diabetes proved to become compensated but the IRI indices were unchanged.  In patients with adiposity there was seen an increase in the concentration of blood IRI and a reduction of the reaction of beta-cells to the administration of glucose. A course of treatment by dosaged starvation (a loss of weight by an average of 11.5 kg) caused no improvement in the IRI indices was less pronounced, and the treatment by diet with limited caloric value led to improvement of the IRI indices.


[The effect of insulin on the functional state of the cardiovascular system in patients with diabetes mellitus]. The influence of the hypoglycemic effect of the therapeutic doses of insulin on the functional condition of the cardiovascular system was studied under clinical conditions in 74 patients with various forms of diabetes mellitus; mechanocardiography was used for this purpose. Myocardial hyperfunction, an increase in the tone of the large arteries, disturbance of correlation between the cardiac output and the peripheral resistance accompanied diabetes mellitus. A moderate reduction of glycemia after insulin administration (not over 50 mg%) promoted an improvement of the cardiovascular system function, facilitated the cardiac and the extracardiac conditions of the myocardial function. A marked fall of the blood level, particularly by over 100 mg%, produced an unfavourable effect on the cardiovascular system, and aggravated the hemodynamic shifts. The optimal admissible variations in glycemia during the treatment of a diabetic patients with insulin of short action is +/-50 mg%. A gradual reduction or normalization of the blood sugar level in diabetes mellitus served as one of the important factors of prophylaxis and progress of cardiovascular disturbances in diabetes mellitus.


[The incidence of diabetes mellitus in Ulan-Ude]. The authors present the results of studying the diabetes mellitus morbidity and its incidence in Ulan-Ude. A total of 23,572 persons and 15 years and over were subjected to the glucose tolerance test. There were revealed 5.7 cases of diabetes mellitus per 1000 persons examined. Diabetes mellitus morbidity and its incidence increased with the advance of age. There were more diabetes mellitus cases among the female than among the male population. Excessive weight served as one of the factors of mediated influence of sex, age and social position on the incidence of diabetes mellitus.


[The state of circulation in the central artery of the retina and uveal tract in diabetes mellitus]. In 68 diabetic patients a study was made of the state of the circulation in the central artery of the retina and the uveal tract. There was a parallel aggravation of the retinal circulation and of the blood supply in the uveal tract. These disturbances were not infrequently determined before the appearance of ophthalmological changes and were aggravated with increase in the duration and severity of the disease. A wide use of ophthalmodynamometry and rheoophthalmography for the determination of early signs of ophthalmopathy in the patients with diabetes mellitus is recommended.


[Somatotropic hormone before and after treatment of microangiopathies in diabetes mellitus patients]. Patients (41) suffering from diabetes mellitus complicated by microangiopathies aged from 16 to 72 years were examined; diabetes of moderate severity was diagnosed in 20 patients (the I group), and severe-in 21 (the II group). Basic STH level after L-DOPA oral loading was studied in 60 and 90 minutes in all of these patients, and ti proved to be elevated in both groups.  Following L-DOPA loading the peak of increase in the first group was found on the 60th minute, and in the II group-on the 90th minute. Basic STH secretion diminished in 16 patients after anginin treatment; this could apparently be attributed to improvement in the function of the hypothalamohypophysial system.


[The concentrations of 11-OHKS in the blood and 17-OHKS and 17-KS in the urine of children born of mothers with diabetes mellitus]. A total of 61 couples (mother and her neonate) were examined for the purpose of ascertaining the influence of diabetes mellitus in the mother on the glucocorticosteroid level in her blood and the blood and the urine of her newborn boby; a relationship between the child's condition and the hormone level in its blood and urine was ascertained. There was revealed an increased content of 11-OCS in the maternal and neonatal blood, and also a greater 17-OCS and 17-KS excretion in children in a prolonged course of diabetes (3 to 15 years), in its decompensation, complication of diabetes by microangiopathy, and also when the baby was born asphyxiated and in the presence of signs of diabetic fetopathy.


[The concentration of 17-OHKS and glucose in the blood during the insulin test in patients with hypothalamo-hypophyseal diseases]. A study was made of the hypothalamo-hypophysio-adrenal gland interrelations during the insulin test in patients with Itsenko-Cushing disease, dyspituitrism of the puberto-juvenile period and diencephalic syndrome. The majority of the patients with Itsenko-Cushing disease displayed a reduction of insulin sensitivity, this being expressed in a delayed fall of the glucose level during the insulin test and the absence of any increase in the blood 17-OCS. An increased reaction of the hypothalamo-hypophysio-adrenal system to insulin hypoglycemia was observed in the patients with dyspituitrim of the puberto-juvenile period. A normal reaction to the insulin test was seen in all the patients with the diencephalic syndrome. The data obtained could be used in differential diagnosis between these diseases and Itsenko-Cushing disease.


[Cancer of the thyroid gland and its treatment]. The authors analyzed data concerning 322 patients suffering from carcinoma of the thyroid gland subjected to complex therapy. Both immediate and remote results were traced. A conclusion was drawn that objective assessment of the clinical manifestation of the disease and comparison with the results of the auxiliary methods of studies permitted to diagnose carcinoma of the thyroid gland in the great majority of the patients. The macroscopic picture of the removed tissue and express biopsy aided the diagnosis. Treatment of carcinoma of the thyroid gland should be complex. The leading role is played by thyroidectomy or resection of the gland. Depending on the patient's age, the extent of spread of the tumour and its morphological structure it is of expedience to combine surgical treatment with isotopic therapy, hormone- and chemotherapy.


[Changes in monoamine fluorescence in the hypothalamus of rats under the influence of hydrocortisone]. The histochemical fluorescent method was applied to the study of the effect of hormones of the adrenal cortex on the catecholamine content in the rat hypothalamus. Administration of hydrocortisone proved to decrease the amount of monoamines in the adrenergic fibers located in the periventricular area and the lateral portion of the midhypothalamus, this being expressed in a reduced intensity of their fluorescence in these formations. The mentioned changes were apparently associated with a specific effect of the hormone and could be related to the regulation of the corticosteroid level by the "reverse connection" mechanism.


[The state of the nuclear apparatus of the thyroid gland under conditions of hypofunction of the sympathetic division of the nervous system]. A study was made of the effect of the sympathetic portion of the nervous system on the thyrocyte metabolism. Such morphological criteria as the volume of the thyrocyte nuclei, the amount of DNA in them and structural analysis were used. Three volumetric classes of the nuclei with a different morphological picture were detected in control animals. In depression of the sympathetic portion of the nervous system by administration of antibodies to the growth factor of the nerves there was seen a reduction of the mean nuclear volume and displacement of the volumetric classes in the direction of increase in the quantity of smaller nuclei; electron microscopic studies demonstrated changes in the shape and structure of the nuclei. There were no variations in the amount of DNA.


[Dopamine receptors of the diencephalon associated with the endocrine function of the hypophyseal-testicular system]. One hour after local administration of 1 gamma of dopamine into the medial portion of the subthalamus or into the central grey matter of the caudal portion of the thalamus of male Wister rats testosterone level (determined fluorimetrically) more than doubled in the peripheral blood plasma. A similar effect was produced by apomorphine (2 gamma), stimulant of dopamine receptors, administered into the same areas of the diencepalon. No increase in testosterone content followed local administration of dopamine into the arcuate nuclei of the hypothalamus. A conclusion was drawn that dopamine receptors of the diencephalon associated with the endocrine function of the male gonad were located in the medial portion of the subthalamus and in the area of the central grey matter of the posterior portion of the thalamus. At the same time, dopamine neurons of the arcuate nuclei of the hypothalamus apparently took no part in the regulation of the endocrine function of the hypophysio-testicular system.


[The relationship between changes in the concentration of catecholamines in the hypothalamus and the level of thyroid hormones in the body]. Fluorimetric method was applied to determination of the dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline content in the tissues of the brain of male rats. Catecholamine distribution in the hypothalamus was uneven. Hyprthyroid state decreased the concentration of dopamine in the anterior and the middle hypothalamus, and also in the preoptic area; removal of the throid gland produced no significant changes in the dopamine, noradrenaline or adrenaline concentration.


[The sugar decreasing effect of several insulin polymer derivatives following enteric administration to aniamls]. An experimental study of the hypoglycemic action of polymeric derivatives of insulin was carried out by its enteral administration through a gastric tube into the stomach and into the oral cavity on 105 intract rabbits. A marked hypoglycemic effect significantly differing from the action of crystalline insulin was produced by enteral administration of insulin modified with polymeres. Changes in the character of binding of the protein with the polymere, of the molecular weight of the polymere and of its chemical nature proved to influence the value and the duration of action of insulin modified by polymeres.


Anomalous results of studies on drug interaction in man. III. Disulfiram and antipyrine. Disulfiram inhibited antipyrine metabolism reproducibly in three experiments utilizing three different groups of normal human volunteers. In these experiments disulfiram in a dose of 3.5 mg/kg body weight was given orally twice daily for 4 consecutive days and in two subsequent experiments for 10 consecutive days. In each experiment the mean antipyrine half-life was prolonged and the mean metabolic clearance rate of antipyrine was shortened by disulfiram. Large interindividual variations occurred; one volunteer with a very short initial plasma antipyrine half-life shortened, rather than prolonged, his antipyrine half-life after 10 days of disulfiram. In the first 10-day study the apparent volume of distribution of antipyrine was significantly increased in each volunteer after disulfiram administration, whereas in the second 10-day study, disulfiram failed to alter this value. Another anomalous result concerned attempts to determine whether a correlation existed between the initial antipyrine half-life and the percent change in this value produced by disulfiram administration. A significant correlation occurred in the initial 10-day study (4 = 0.71, p less than 0.05), whereas neither in the second 10-day study (r = 0.20, p greater than 0.05) nor in the 4-day study (r = 0.57, p greater than 0.05) was a significant correlation observed. Each of the three studies revealed no significant correlation between the initial metabolic clearance rate of antipyrine and the percent change in this value produced by disulfiram administration.


Effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabinol in man. The interaction of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta9-THC) and cannabinol (CBN) was studied in man. Five male volunteers were given placebo, 50 mg CBN, 25 mg delta9-THC, 12.5 mg delta9-THC + 25 mg CBN, and 25 mg delta9-THC + 50 mg CBN (orally). Administrations were spaced 1 week apart. With physiological measures, delta9-THC produced an increase in heart rate while CBN did not. When combined, no change of the delta9-THC effect occurred. No changes occurred on the electrocardiogram, blood pressure, or body temperature. With psychophysical measures no changes occurred in pain thresholds or skin sensitivity as a function of drug treatment. In time estimates of the passage of 1 minute, delta9-THC alone produced underestimates of the passage of 1 minute and CBN alone had no effect. In combination the two drugs had a tendency to produce significant overestimates and underestimates of the passage of 1 minute. On a 66-item adjective-pair drug reaction scale, the volunteers reported feeling drugged, drunk, dizzy, and drowsy under the delta9-THC condition, but not under the CBN condition. With combined drug treatment, volunteers reported feeling more drugged, drunk, dizzy, and drowsy than under the delta9-THC condition alone. None of the drug treatments produced significant changes on other items which included items on perception, emotion, cognition and sociability. It appears that CBN increases the effect of delta9-THC on some aspects of physiological and psychological processes, but that these effects are small and cannot account for the greater potency which has been reported when plant material is used.


Preparation and evaluation of a sustained naloxone delivery system in rats. The use of a non-biodegradable polymer system to provide a sustained release of the narcotic antagonist naloxone in rats is described. The kinetics of morphine analgesia (measured by the hot-plate test) in the presence of the naloxone implant, and the urinary excretion of radiolabeled naloxone were measured. The shift of the morphine dose-response curve to the right is expressed in terms of dose ratios, which were calculated from the ED50 values for morphine obtained 9 days before, and 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 days after implantation of the polymer. Our experiments indicate that effective levels of antagonist were maintained for 3-4 weeks after implantation of a polymer system containing 16 mg of naloxone. After 29 days, more than 95% of the absorbed drug had been released, with 16% of the implanted radioactivity appearing in the urine. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using a sustained release form of a narcotic antagonist to block the effects of morphine.


Relationship between the behavioral and electroencephalographic effects of chlorpromazine and fluphenazine in rats. The effects of chlorpromazine and fluphenazine on behavior and electroencephalogram (EEG) have been studied in rats in order to find out whether quantitative surface EEG can be reliably used to assess the degree of hypnotic sedative activity of neuroleptic agents. It was found that fluphenazine is about 10 times more potent than chlorpromazine in depressing locomotor activity and variable-interval behavior of rats, while the two drugs were equally potent as regards their synchronizing action on the EEG. This is in accordance with the clinical observation that fluphenazine has less hypnotic side-effects than chlorpromazine and confirms that surface EEG can be a predictive test for hypnotic activity.


Pharmacokinetics of practolol in the rabbit with experimental glomerulonephritis. The pharmacokinetics of practolol were studied after intravenous injection (5 mg/kg) in conscious normal rabbits and rabbits with experimental glomerulonephritis induced by daily intravenous injection of bovine gamma-globulin. The results obtained demonstrated that the practolol elimination was impaired in animals with experimental glomerulonephritis: significant lengthening of the half-life of the beta-phase, with marked decrease of the body clearance and diminution of the drug concentration decrease in plasma. Neither conjugates nor deacetylpractolol could be detected in the urine of the controls or immunized rabbits.


Studies on the nature of the vasodilator fibers running in the lumbar sympathetic chain of the dog. These experiments were performed to further elucidate the nature of the vasodilator fibers running in the sympathetic chain in the dog. The electrostimulation of the lumbar sympathetic trunk caused vasoconstriction in the perfused hind limb which inverted to vasodilatation after guanethidine was administered. This vasodilator response is mediated by cholinergic fibers since it was completely abolished by atropine. The observation, furthermore, that hexamethonium completely nullified both vasodilator and vasoconstrictor responses to the electrostimulation of the sympathetic chain indicates that both vasoconstrictor and vasodilator fibers, which are activated during the stimulation of the sympathetic chain, are preganglionic in nature.


Effect of metoclopramide on myoelectrical and mechanical activity of the isolated canine stomach perfused extracorporeally. Totally isolated whole canine stomachs perfused, ex vivo, with homologous blood of living supporting dogs were used for recording of myoelectrical mechanical activities. Drugs were administered directly into the arterial system of the isolated stomachs either as flash injections or as constant infusions. Flash injection of metoclopramide (Maxeran) led to the response activity (spiking) and associated mechanical response. Electrical control activity was also affected by Maxeran: the changes consisted of premature control activity and uncoupling. Similar reactions were observed after flash injections of methacholine, pentagastrin or electrical stimulation of the Latarjet nerve. These reactions were dose-dependent. Tetrodotoxin, atropine, hexamethonium and glucagon, when given as a constant infusion, did inhibit the action of Maxeran on myoelectrical and mechanical activities of the isolated stomach. Inhibition of the responses to Maxeran by atropine and tetrodotoxin implicates acetylcholine in the mediation of these responses. The ability of hexamethonium to diminish the response to Maxeran suggests that a locus of action may be at both pre- and post-ganglionic sites of the intramural plexus. Exact receptors of this action are not demonstrated by this study.


[Calcinoses of the leg].

[Calcinoses of the leg]. Calcinosis, wherever it appears, is no more than overloading of the conjunctive tissue with calcium. Arterial calcinoses are perhaps the type most frequently recognized : obliterating arteriopathy of middle aged and elderly subjects, arteritis in diabetics, Mönkeberg's arteriosclerosis. Venous calcinoses are either phleboliths, more rarely subcutaneous deposits, or atherocalcinosis of the inferior vena cava, or Cramer and Schilling's lesion. Subcutaneous calcinoses that appear to be nonvascular may give rise to some diagnostic problems. These concern the pathogenesis : calcium transfer by LERICHE and POLICARD, metaplasia of the conjunctive tissues and the elastic fibres, transformation of lipoproteins, hydraulic disturbances, Selye's calciphylaxia.


[Subcutaneous calcinosis of the leg].

[Subcutaneous calcinosis of the leg]. In patients with varicose veins and post-phlebitic patients calcifications are discovered in the legs that are sometimes very extensive. These latent, stable, and silent calcinoses become apparent when there is ulceration or hypodermatitis. They are subcutaneous and supra-aponeurotic but clear of the muscles, tendons, and joints. The signs are evident mainly radiologically. They are the result of a local process of which the etiology is not well understood. These calcinoses may be classified among the dystrophic calcinoses. The precipitating factor seems to be a change in the conjunctive tissue resulting from inflammatory outbreaks of trophic hypodermatitis. The treatment is basically preventive, sometimes with local surgery ; no type of general therapy improves the lesions. Comparison with rheumatism brings to light certain common features : tissue attack as a starting point for calcification, stability of the lesions. Such a comparison distinguishes these calcinoses from the Thibierge Weissenbach syndrome and from chondrocalcinoses.


[Subcutaneous calcifications. A case of Thibierge-Weissenbach syndrome]. When faced with subcutaneous calcifications the possibility of the Thibierge-Weissenbach syndrome, either in its initial stages or already evolutive, may be forgotten. In one typical case that was followed for 20 years, the calcifications had taken second place to the scleroderma and circulatory disorders that had rapidly dominated the picture : Raynaud's phenomenon, arteritis of the extremities with extremely acute pain that was lessened only by sympathetic infiltrations or intra-arterial injections.


[Surgical approach to a leg ulcer in areas of subcutaneous calcinosis]. The medical treatment of ulceration of the legs in areas with a subcutaneous plaque of calcinosis is often unsuccessful. The phlebologists then refer the patient to a surgeon. A patient aged 58 years, with a previous history of phlebitis, presented on two successive occasions with ulceration in the area of a large calcification in the lower third of the left leg. Cicatrization was obtained by a surgical treatment. Such surgery must be preceded by local and complete vascular assessment and by appropriate pre-operative care. It consists mainly of ablation of bone sequestration in order to obtain a suitable surface on which to apply thin skin graft in strips. It is often necessary to carry out an internal saphenous crossectomy as well to treat an  associated venous insufficiency.


Sex-dependent survival of rats after bilateral pallidal lesions. The effects of unilateral and bilateral pallidal lesions were studied in male and female rats. While unilateral lesions produced only transient aphagia and adipsia, the results of bilateral lesions were more severe. Sixteen out of 30 rats of the Wistar strain survived the bilateral lesion and the survivors were followed unitl the 157th day. The majority of survivors were females. The recovery of males was slower than females. All the surviving animals and also some of those which died ate and drank spontaneously. Similar results were obtained in repeated experiment on the CFY strain of rats. Our data suggest that aphagia and adipsia, as well as the considerable weight loss causing the death of animals may be regarded as disorders of two partially independent mechanisms; however, both of them are expressed more in male than female animals.


[Phlebitis and phlebothrombosis in medical practice]. The general practitioner frequently encounters illnesses involving the risk of venous accidents or embolisms. He must keep this possibility in mind and seek the signs in cases as different as hiatal hernia, alimentary cancer, the use of estroprogestative drugs, and severe respiratory insufficiency. He must also bear its mind in relation to conditions leading to abdominal surgery and in connexion with pathological pelvic conditions in women. A general practitioner would advise preventive treatments and would treat pathological venous conditions that had been confirmed by a phlebologist. In the home, the virtues of treatment with antivitamins K, which is simple to apply, and heparin, which requires professional surveillance, are open to discussion. One personal case is cited that illustrates the great risks that resulted from delay in operating for fibromas which eventually led to repeated pulmonary embolisms because of pelvic compression. These developments made the operation very different and dangerous but nevertheless it was successful.


[The influence of anticipation of pain on heart and respiratory rates and on the pain reflex in man]. A study was undertaken in man to determine the effects of anticipation of pain on the heart rate, respiratory rhythm and nociceptive component of the flexor reflex. Two groups of subjects were used: a group of trained subjects and a group of naive ones. A warning, given 10 min before the delivery of the painful stimulation, made the naive subjects anxious while the trained ones remained relaxed. The latter subjects showed a steady heart rate and respiratory frequency as well as a steady level in the nociceptive reflex threshold for the duration of the experiment. Two kinds of responses were exhibited by the naive subjects: one group showed increased heart rate and respiratory frequency as well as an initial increase in the reflex threshold; the other group showed decreased heart rate, increased respiratory frequency and an initial decrease in the reflex threshold. In each sub-group of the naive subjects, the time course of the reflex threshold showed a progressive evolution towards the threshold level of the trained subjects with a time course of 30--40 min.


Response suppression in normal and septal rats. After 11 days of lever press training on a variable interval 30 sec schedule, separate groups of septal and normal rats were exposed for 10 days to one of two response-suppression procedures: extinction or differential reinforcement of other behaviors. Both procedures were effective in suppressing responding, with the septal rats taking longer to reach the suppression asymptote than  did the normals. All rats then received 5 days of non-contingent food presentation. Under these conditions responding recovered to a much greater degree in rats previously given extinction than in those given DRO. Further, septal rats given extinction showed more recovery than did normals given extinction.


[Comparative evaluation of results of corrective surgery of the blood flow in post-phlebitis syndromes of the leg]. Surgical correction of the venous circulation is indicated in about 60 percent of post-phlebitic patients. The immediate and long-term results depend on the duration of the disorder, the site of thrombosis, the extent and nature of the secondary lesions, and on the choice of the method of surgery. Among the different operations proposed, the authors draw particular attention to four, those of Linton, Askar, Cockett, and Palma. It is possible to combine these operations taking into account any special indications. However, the techniques can be improved. The authors present a personal variant to correct the circulation in the leg by ostial ligature (resection of the indirect, muscular, communicating veins) that differs from Linton's method which involves subfascial ligature of the direct communicating veins. The results of Palma's crossed sapheno-femoral operation can be improved by anastomosing end-to-end the subcutaneous vein and the proximal end of either the deep or the superficial femoral vein. In patients with torpid, calloused ulcers ligature of the communicating veins by Cockett's method must be associated with subcutaneous removal of the sclerous base of the ulcer by the method of R. P. Askerkhanov.


Maze performance in rats with hippocampal perforant paths lesions: some aspects of functional recovery. The performance of two experimental groups--one with lesions of the perforant paths projecting to the dorsal hippocampus (the D group) and one with lesions of the perforant paths to both the dorsal and ventral hippocampus (the DV group)--was compared with the performance of a lesioned control group and an intact control group during two test sessions in the Hebb-Williams maze. Both experimental groups displayed impaired maze learning in Session I. The DV group showed some recovery of function in Session II, and the D group was indistinguishable from controls. The results are discussed in terms of reduced sensory information to the hippocampal formation resulting from perforant paths lesions. It is suggested that the hippocampus is involved in relating new stimuli to previous experience.


Modification of prenatal stress effects in rats by adrenalectomy, dexamethasone and chlorpromazine. This study was designed as a 4 (maternal treatments) by 2 (prenatal stress) factorial. The 4 treatment groups were: chlorpromazine (CPZ) 2.1 mg/kg; dexamethasone (DEX) 38.7 mug/kg; adrenalectomy (ADX); and controls (CON). Half of the females in each group were stressed prior to mating and during gestation. Stress significantly reduced birth and weaning weights of CON offspring but did not affect the weight of CPZ, DEX or ADX offspring. At birth, DEX and ADX offsrping, as well as offspring of partially adrenalectomized females, were significantly lighter than controls; at weaning, only the DEX animals displayed a weight deficit. Stress increased open field activity of ADX offspring but decreased the activity of DEX offspring while the performance of CON and CPZ offspring was not affected. In a food deprivation test at 42 days there were significantly more deaths among male offspring of no stress (32 percent) than of stress (4 percent) females and stress offspring in all groups lost less weight than unstressed offspring in a food deprivation test at 69 days. Avoidance conditioning tests showed effects only in female offspring. Stress significantly decreased avoidances made by CON offspring and increased avoidances made by DEX offspring. Treatment with ADX, CPZ or DEX can prevent the effects of prenatal stress on some characteristics of the offspring, but in other cases the effects are potentiated by these manipulations.


Stimulants and lesions of the substantia nigra and red nucleus. The interaction of altered activity levels by stimulants and brainstem lesions was examined. Lesions of the substantia nigra and red nucleus significantly increased activity over control levels in albino rats. The stimulant action of d-amphetamine and methylphenidate was additive with lesion effects. In addition, stimulants disrupted the normal light-dark relationship with activity while the lesions did not. It is suggested that there are two functionally separate systems regulating locomotor activity.


Survival and recovery of physiologic functions after early maternal separation in rats. Fourteen-day-old rats separated from their mothers have greatly increased survival rates, if provided with a local heat source. Body weight, temperature, cardiac and respiratory rates declined for 3 days in all separated animals, and eye opening was delayed most in those separated at room temperature. In survivors, a second phase followed in which all measures rebounded to levels characteristic of normally mothered infants. Cardiac rate, having fallen 40 percent in the first days after separation, rose to levels higher than normally mothered infants at 21 and 30 days of age. Recovery was not clearly initiated by any singly system studied, although non-survivors showed greater weight and temperature loss and evidence of gross motor deficit during the separation response phase.


Effects of early handling upon puberty: correlations with adrenal stress responsiveness. Handling of rat pups for 5 min once a week prior to weaning to permit weighing of the litter significantly delays vaginal opening and ovulation and is associated with a reduction in the response to an ether stress administered at 60 days of age. Handling combined with replacement of the bedding material results in a further delay in puberty and a further reduction in the stress response. It is therefore necessary to follow uniform handling procedures in any study of a developmental process.


Prandial drinking and the disruption of meal patterns in olfactory bulbectomized rats. In order to determine the cause of the disrupted feeding pattern in bulbectomized and recovered LH lesioned rats and to study the role of prandial drinking in producing this feeding pattern, feeding and drinking patterns were simultaneously recorded in these lesioned preparations. It was found that in normal rats drinking occurred mainly before and after the meals. In bulbectomized rats, drinking occurred also before and after the meal, but the main part of the meal associated takes place during the numerous short pauses within the meal. In LH recovered rats the meal associated drinking occurred in a very rapid alternation between eating and drinking during feeding bouts (prandial drinking) and not during the meal pauses. It is suggested that the nibbling pattern seen in LH recovered rats as well as in bulbectomized rats is not due to the prandial drinking but results from the loss of an olfactory input to the LH area.


Autonomic effects of hypothalamic self-stimulation in the cat. Respiration, heart rate and arterial blood pressure were recorded continuously during self-stimulation with systematically varied stimulus parameters. Conspicuous autonomic effects were induced by self-stimulation. Acceleration in the respiration and heart rate, and rise in the arterial blood pressure were generally obtained as direct effects of the stimulus train, which were followed by remarkable rebound-like aftereffects. A close relationship was found between the lever-pressing behaviour and the peripheral autonomic effects of self-stimulation. The frequency of self-stimulation increased in parellel with the amplitude of the autonomic responses to a certain level, and the animal stopped self-stimulation whenever the amplitude of the autonomic effects exceeded this level. The results are consistent with the idea that the periopheral autonomic changes can modulate self-stimulation.


An ecological comparison of the two arid-zone kangaroos of Australia, and their anomalous prosperity since the introduction of ruminant stock to their environment. This paper discusses the interactions between the large and medium-sized marsupials, the introduced ruminant domestic stock, and the environment in the arid zone of Australia. The grazing of sheep and cattle has produced suitable subclimax pastures which today favor two sympatric kangaroos but not the smaller bandicoots and wallabies. Tall grass tussocks used as shelter by the latter have been grazed down by the ruminants, and replaced by "marsupial lawns" or xeric spinifex, depending on locality, thereby improving the food supplies for the plains kangaroo and the hill kangaroo, respectively. It is argued, however, that even these smaller marsupials benefited originally from the new grazing regime. Patchy grazing of the grasslands probably created edge effects and other early seral changes which improved the food supplies while leaving adequate shelter. Continued grazing by increasingly large numbers of sheep and cattle ultimately and critically removed the shelter and, therefore, eliminated the bandicoots and wallabies. There is evidence that the plains kangaroo, though generally abundant at the present time, is vulnerable to competitive displacement by sheep, cattle, rabbits, and, in one region, by the hill kangaroo when it invades the plains. The plains kangaroo with its diet of green herbage is most threatened during droughts because the other herbivores have finer-grained diets. Like the bandicoots and wallabies the plains kangaroo in at least two localities appears to have first increased in numbers and then decreased. Sheep and cattle numbers have generally done the same. It is postulated, therefore, that there may not be two opposing response curves for the large and medium-sized marsupials to the ruminant invasion of the inland plains, but, in the long run, only one: an initial numerical increase and then decline. Only the time-scale is different, taking 50 years or more for the plains kangaroo, but perhaps half that time or less for the bandicoots and wallabies. The hill kangaroo may be the ultimate winner because it requires the least nitrogen, and the spinifex it eats during drought has spread as part of the subclimax created by ruminants.


[Comparison of the streptozyme test with titration of antistreptolysin, antistreptokinase and antistreptohyaluronidase]. Streptozyme is a new serologic assay which is able to evidentiate 5 antistreptococcal antibodies at the same time (TAS, ASHA, ASK, DNase, NADase). This test has been carried out on 355 samples together with TAS, ASK and ASHA methods in order to value this method comparatively. The results showed that Streptozyme is a poorly reliable technique, looking at the false-positive or negative results obtained, but principally looking at the phenomena of no good reproducibility. We feel that at present it cannot be used in substitution of the classic serologic methods.


[Changes in the leukocyte formula of healthy people according to age and sex in the Province of Forli]. On the ground of a statistical elaboration which has been carried throughout the Province of Forlì examining healthy people in order to observe eventual alteration in leucocytes' formula according to age and sex, in this way after a classification into five ageclasses, between 20 and 70 years, 250 men and 250 women, we could affirm that leucocytes' formula changes remarkably considering age and sex. So why we cannot take into consideration just a unique leucocytes' formula but on the contrary it is necessary to relate the above said formula to the age and the sex of a subject.


[Tetracycline fluorescence test in the diagnosis of bronchopleuropulmonary tumors. Its value compared with other examinations of the sputum and pleural effusion]. The "tetracycline fluorescence test" is considered, as a consequence of the experiments made by various AA., specific for the diagnosis of tumourous cases. With a purpose to confirm its validity, in the broncopleuropulmonary cases, A. examines 30 spittings and 10 pleural fluids of suspicious cases, comparing the results got by means of this test with those of the routine cytohystological examinations. The results confirm 96% positivity with said test against the 60% postivity of the routine cytohystological ones.


[Criminality in a birth cohort].

[Criminality in a birth cohort]. Beginning with a group of approximately 10,000 boys born in 1945 who lived in Philadelphia from at least ages ten through seventeen, the Center for Studies in Criminology and Criminal Law, University of Pennsylvania has engaged in a longitudinal analysis of the delinquency of the birth cohort. The first publication which examines the dynamic flow of delinquency committed by 3500 of the boys was published by the University of Chicago Press in 1972 and is entitled Delinquency in a Birth Cohort. This study is the first in the United States to establish a base line of delinquency probabilities and to analyze the types of delinquency committed over time, with the recording of the seriousness of each of the 10,000 acts committed by the 3500 boys. The seriousness scores were derived from the earlier work by Sellin and Wolfgang, entitle The Measurement of Delinquency. A stochastic model was used to analyze the delinquent patterns and one of the major conclusions, at least up to age eighteen, was that there was no specific delinquency specialization by type of offense. Moreover, after the third offense, the probabilities of desistence, or refraining from further delinquent acts, remained stable, thus indicating that the most propitious point for social intervention would be after the third offense rather than at some time prior to the onset of delinquency or even after the first or second offense-offenses which are usually of a very minor character. The Center for Studies in Criminology and Criminal Law has continued to follow up a ten per cent sample of the original birth cohort by interviewing them to obtain additional social psychological dynamic features of their background, of the situations involving their first and last delinquencies, and of their adult careers. The follow-up indicates thus far that approximately 12 per cent new cases of criminality appeared, thus adding to the original 35 per cent of the birth cohort who had a delinquency record. The study will pursue data analysis of the elaborate interview schedule and a continued examination of recidivism, particularly chronic, among the chronic offenders who have committed five or more offenses.


[Psychoanalytic studies and examination of imputability]. The Author points out that the recent contributions to the study of the crime require an improvement of the traditional principles followed for the investigation and qualification of the crime, as regards both its psychological dynamics and any juridical implications. The Author also shows that psychoanalysis is able to determine a decisive evolution in the eitology as well in the therapy of criminality. After a few preliminary considerations on the ambiguity of the idea of insanity, in accordance with the ordinary nosographic principles formulated in psychiatry, the Author emphasizes the uncertainties and discrepancies that, in the legislative systems from different countries, result from a limited view of the psychological phenomena. Then, he examines the utility of considering again the whole intra-psychic process which is involved in the crime dynamics through a psychoanalytical methodology. Particularly, he highlights the clarification which psycho-analysis may bring to the understanding of certain forms of aggressiveness which cannot be properly diagnosed according to the conventional medical and juridical methods. The Author finally considers the opening of the psycho-analytical application in the delicate examination of imputability. In this regard, he suggests to avoid any strict qualification, even in the evaluation of the most abnormal processes of psyche and he recommends--in conformity with a few juridical trends appeared in some countries--not to limit the investigation on the ability of understanding and will to the moment when a crime is committed, but to extend it to a single evaluation of the whole personality of the criminal.


[Results of 2 quality control programs performed in Tuscany in the year 1973 and 1974]. Here after are reported all the results obtained from an interlaboratory quality control program performed in Tuscany in 1973 and in 1974. In 1973, 35 hospital laboratories partecipated to the program, while in 1974 the partecipating laboratories were 79: hospital's, private's and of public bodies. The results obtained in the program performed in 1974 were less satisfactory of those obtained in 1973 and showed the need of repeating such programs in order to improve the operating efficiency of laboratories.


[In vitro culture of hepatocytes on polythene discs]. The Author describes a tissue culture method, of human embryo liver cells, on polythene discs. Advantages of this method are: persistence of cell morphology and liver architecture, good reaction of cells to traumatic squashing. This method can be used for control of continuous cell line and for in vitro colture of bioptic fragments.


[Rehabilitation of patients with frontal lesions]. Two patients with frontal lesions underwent re-education of the mental processes. The material used was the PM 38 test, WAIS cubes and visuo-spatial problems. The method used was based on Luria's re-education technique supplemented by a process of phasing out the controlling aids and cutting out facts for analysis. Results obtained before and after re-education in responses are described and compared. The problem of reansferring the skill acquired to other activities is discussed. The authors found that skills developed in the re-education situation to cope with a given task are not spontaneously utilised by the patient when he is again placed in a similar situation, but that a simple verbal cue from the tester is sufficient to cause this skill to be transferred. Finally, when faced with a new situation, the patient does not work out how to solve the problem, but he accepts more readily what is suggested to him by the tester.


[Epidemiological study of primary tumors of the neuraxis in the Rhone-Alps region. Quantitative data on the etiology and geographical distribution of 1670 tumors]. The authors present a retrospective study of 670 histologically verified tumours of the neuraxis collected over 90 months in the Neurological Hospital, Lyons. The main facts concerning histological type, topography of the tumour, date of diagnosis, address, profession, O.B.O. and Rhesus groups, age and sex were codified for feeding into a computer and processed by sophisticated statistical methods. This analysis shows the homogeneity of topographical distribution in the brain of the different types of glioma, the special genetic code of meningiomas (predominance of A and B genes of the A.B.O. group), absence of the same factors for glioblastoma. Sex ratio analysis shows the contrast between definitely masculine tumours--glioblastomas and astrocytomas--and meningiomas and spongioblastomas. Analysis of the "age specific rate" separates tumours prevalent in the young, where incidence is a decreasing function of age (spongioblastoma, medulloblastoma, cerebellar astrocytoma) and tumours prevalent in adults which are mainly meningiomas and glioblastomas whose incidence is an increasing exponential function of age. Epidemiological analysis shows the difference in geographical distribution of glioblastomas and meningiomas. As far as glioblastomas are concerned, it would appear that on to the general rule of constant tumourincidence over the area as a whole, is superimposed another of high incidence in particular districts of the Beaujolais and Maconnais regions. The aetiological implications of these various findings are discussed.


[Myoclonic encephalopathy due to bismuth following colectomy. Apropos of a case]. Bismuth encephalopathy mainly affects chronic constipation sufferers. The case described, which is practically identical, should be considered (in the absence of constipation) within the context of resection for cancer. The responsibility of bismuth, suggested in five similar cases by Burns and colleagues, is here confirmed by the blood, C.S.F. and urine levels. The mechanism of encephalopathy and the possibility of a failure to eliminate bismuth affecting these levels are discussed.


[Neuropathology of trichopoliodystrophy (Menkes' disease). Anatomoclinical observation]. The authors describe an anatomo-clinical case of trichopoliodystrophy in many ways similar to cases already published. The original features of the case are as follows: the ultrastructure of the duodenal mucosa is normal; the endoplasmatic reticulum of the putaminal neurons contains many-layered lamellar structures probably composed of protein; type II fibres predominate in the striated skeletal muscle suggesting abnormal neuromuscular maturation.


[Prosopagnosia. Role of the right hemisphere in visual perception. (Apropos of a case after right occipital lobectomy)]. The authors describe a case of prosopagnosia which appeared a month after right occipital lobectomy. Results obtained by means of various tests devised to analyse this perception disorder have produced the following conclusions: 1) results of pairing tests which require a high level of perceptive differentiation are successful but after abnormally long delays; 2) in spite of this success, faces--even the patient's own--are not recognized; 3) this disorder extends to affect every task requiring recognition of the individual nature of a stimulus; 4) this individuality has the peculiarity of being based on visual patterns which it is impossible, or almost impossible, to express verbally; 5) the part played by defective visual representation in the brain is discussed; 6) a posterior lesion of the minor hemisphere is a prerequisite of prosopagnosia; 7) these facts, in conjunction with the findings in cases of inter-hemispheric disconnection lead one to think that the minor hemisphere, in right-handed subjects, plays a major part in the development and treatment of highly differentiated visual patterns which it is impossible, or almost impossible, to express verbally.


Caplan's syndrome - a clinical study of 13 cases. Thirteen cases of Caplan's syndrome were investigated by chest X-ray, rheumatic and immunological tests, heart and lung physiology and pathological-anatomical specimens. No positive correlation was found between exposure time to silica, roentgenolgical findings, degree of rheumatoid factor or physiological findings. In nine of the cases a rapid roentgenological progress took place. Although the combination of lung infiltrations and rheumatic disorders makes an immunological reaction probable, no correlation was found between the degree of rheumatic disorder and roentgenological progress. The hypothesis that silica acts as an adjuvant, which may strengthen an antigen-antibody reaction, was not reflected in rheumatic parameters. The roentgenological examination appeared to be the most sensitive method for following the disease.


Comparison of the effects on airway conductance of a new selective beta-adrenergic blocking drug, atenolol, and propranolol in asthmatic subjects. Five patients with mild to moderate asthma were studied after an intravenous saline control followed by atenolol (i.v. 7-9mg) and propranolol (i.v. 0.2-1.0 mg) in a body plethysmograph. Following propranolol, heart rate did not change but specific airway conductance dropped with 65% and airway resistance increased with 130%. Following atenolol, there was a dose-related decrease in heart rate (25% after 9 mg i.v.) and a slight but not significant tendency to a decrease in airway conductance on the highest doses. None of the patients experienced any change in symptoms after administration of atenolol but after propranolol two patients had worsened symptoms. It is concluded that, in contrast to propranolol, atenolol blocks the beta-receptors in the heart preferentially to those in the lungs, and thus could be given to patients with obstructive lung disease.


Pulmonary involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Vital capacity (VC) and single-breath diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide of the lungs (Dco) were measured and chest X-ray evaluated in 129 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). 123 of them represented average RA patients, either hospitalized (84 patients, Group I) or outpatient material (39 patients, Group II). The remaining six patients (Group III) represented cases with marked changes in chest X-ray detected in an earlier study. Deviating findings in the 123 cases of Groups I and II were observed as follows: in one the lung function tests or X-ray examinations, 35%; abnormal X-rays, 18%; reduced VC or Dco, 28%; simultaneously low VC and Dco, 7%; and pathological findings in all three tests, 2%. Group III showed extremely low VC and Dco values. Changes in respiratory function involved restrictive impairment and diffusion defects, and the results further implied that restrictive changes develop early, whereas decreased diffusing capacity is associated with more advanced "rheumatoid lung". The disparity abnormal findings in chest X-ray changes and in lung function tests suggests that in examining pulmonary manifestations in patients witu RA, both radiographic methods and pulmonary function tests should be used for relevant evaluation.


The therapeutic value of oral long-term treatment with terbutaline (Bricanyl) in asthma. A follow-up study of its efficacy and side effects. A follow-up study comprising 51 patients with chronic intrinsic asthma requiring regular daily peroral bronchodilating drugs and isoprinaline aerosol is presented. Forty-three of the patients required long-term steroid therapy as well. Patients were controlled regularly both before and during peroral treatment with terbutaline. The study was concluded after continuous terbutaline therapy for an average period of 32 months. A subjective improvement was seen in 46 patients. Out of 43 patients requiring long-term steroid treatment, 24 were able to decrease their daily dose of prednisolone and four patients could discontinue steroid therapy. Thirty-five patients decreased their isoprenaline aerosol use and four abandoned the aerosol completely. The need for hospital care was reduced by two-thirds and the total sick leave from work was decreased by two-thirds. In order to test how the bronchi responded after continuous use of terbutaline, spirometry was carried out before and after a subcutaneous injection of terbutaline at the end of the study. No indication of resistance to the drug was found. Tremor occurred occasionally in 16 patients. No toxic effects of the drug have been found.


Migration in malaysian aborigines: clinical observations in pregnancy. This study presents clinical observations in pregnancy made on aborigines of the deep jungle and "outside" populations. Migration out of the jungle results in lowered nutritional status as a result of low socio-economic status in the "outside" aborigine. This, together with food habits, increased family size and higher incidence of helminthic infestations, results in lower mean values of Hb, PVC and MCHC and a higher prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy in the migrant aborigine. A higher population density in the "outside" population resulting in frequent intermingling and increased chances of cross-contamination probably explains the increased vaginal bacterial growth in the "outside" Aborigine women. A higher prevalence of vaginal candidiasis in the "outside" aborigine woman is probably related to exposure to oral contraceptives and broad-spectrum antibiotics. On the other hand, better medical and obstetrical services become more readily available to the "outside" aborigine and this results in a favourable influence on perinatal health.


Absence of detectable hepatitis B antigen (HBAg) in the commercial oyster, Crassostrea gigas Thunberg, in Hong Kong. The locally grown commercial oyster in Hong Kong, Crassostrea gigas Thunberg, is faecally polluted particularly in the summer months at a time when oyster consumption and the incidence of viral hepatitis similarly increase. Whole oysters and isolates of tissues including the digestive diverticula and mantle fluids, in unconcentrated or concentrated forms were examined by counterimmunoelectrophoresis for the presence of the hepatitis-B antigen (HBAg); No antigen was detected in samples examined on a monthly basis over a one year period nor those examined hourly for one day in mid-summer. HBAg may not have been detected since the pollution of the oyster beds was considered to be predominantly of animal rather than human origin.


Serial dilution antibiotic susceptibility testing evaluation of a micromethod for use in a diagnostic laboratory. Simultaneous MIC determinations were performed by the conventional tube dilution method and a microdilution technique. Forty-five clinical isolates and 11 antibiotics were used. Results of the two tests revealed 89.2% aggrement of +/- one dilution. The microdilution method was found to be reliable, reproducible and economical in time, labour and materials. The use of pH indicator in the microtechnique is recommended for certain organisms.


Mastomys natalensis as an experimental host for Brugia malaye subperiodic. Infective larvae of Brugia malayi subperiodic obtained by dissection of infected Aedes togoi were injected subcutaneously into the scrotal region of Mastomys natalensis. From altogether 58 infected male M. natalensis 81% showed consistently or intermittently detectable microfilaraemia, whereas in 19% of the animals no microfilaraemia could be detected at any stage. The mean prepatent period was 136 days; the microfilarial density varied from 1 to 535 per 20 c. mm blood. In those animlas with consistently detectable and in general higher microfilaraemia an average of 13.1 live adult worms were found, against an average of 6.4 adult worms in animals with intermittent detectable and in general lower microfilaraemia. An average of 1.5 worms was found in animals which at no stage showed detectable microfilaraemia. A correlation between worm burden and prepatent period could be observed in the individual groups. From the total of 520 live adult worms recovered at necropsy, 37% were found in the lungs, 29% in the parenchyma of the testes and 34% in the lymphatic system. 47% of live fertile female worms were found in the lymphatic system, whereas the majority, i.e; 52% of infertile female worms were detected in the lungs. In addition, 380 encapsulated dead worms were found, most of them (98%) in the lymphatic system. 61% of a total of 900 live and dead worms were found in the region of the lymphatic system.


The sensory receptors of two cercariae from Malaysia: Trichobilharzia brevis (Schistosomatidae) and Haplorchis Pumilio (Heterophyidae). A description of sensory receptors of Trichobilharzia brevis is given. They are compared with the five Schistosomatidae described by Richard (1971), namely, Trichobilharzia ocellata, schistosoma mansoni, S. bovis, S; haematobium and S. rodhaini. All these species display very similar chaetotaxic characters. In the study of the cercaria of Haplorchis pumilio, comparison with the few Opisthorchioidea cercarial sensory organs already known has enabled the authors to characterise the chaetotaxy for this superfamily.


Estimation of annual incidence of schistosomiasis japonica among school children in the Philippines;. An attempt was made to estimate the annual incidence of schistosomiasis from the prevalences at ages 7 to 10 in the Philippines.


The first authentic record of Angiostrongylus cantonensis Chen, 1935 Peninsular Malaysia. Angiostrongylus cantonensis Chen, was recovered from a field rat, Rattus tiomanicus from the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The parasite constitutes the first reported record occurring in this country. Morphological character of the parasite are compared with the original description of A. cantonensis by Chen (1935), A. cantonensis from Formosa and A. malaysiensis from Malaysia.


Serum and red cell folate activity and folic acid absorption in patients with hookworm infection. Red cell and serum folate levels and folic acid absorption were studied in patients with hookworm infection. The mean value of serum folic acid level was found to be significantly lower than that of the normal subjects and 32% of cases had serum folic acid level less than 4 ng/ml. The red cell folate content in all patients studied were within the normal limits. The mean value of the folic acid absorption was also lower than that of the normal. Six out of 13 patients absorbed folic acid less than 38%, the lowest value obtained from the normal subjects. These findings indicated that there was a negative balance of folic acid in some patients with hookworm infection which was probably due to impairment in absorption.


Man, an accidental host of Cyclodontostomum purvisi (Adams, 1933), and the occurrence in rats in Thailand. Two adults of Cyclodontostomum purvisi were recovered from faecal specimen of a 47 year-old male who had suffered from capillariasis, in Kaeng Khoi District, Saraburi Province, Thailand; Adults of C. purvisi were also recovered from the large intestine of B. savilei and B. indica trapped in the same area and in Pak Philli District, Nakhon Nayok Province. This is the first record of human infection with C. purvisi and of the occurrence in B. savilei and B. indica in Thailand.


The pathology of the lung in byssinotics. A report of the gross and microscopic appearances in the lungs and the weights of the cardiac ventricles in 43 subjects receiving industrial benefit for byssinosis is presented. In 27 (63%) there was no significant emphysema, in 10 (23%) there were varying amounts of centrilobular emphysema, and panacinar emphysema was found in six (14%). Other changes were of non-specific nature, but most cases showed heavy black dust pigmentation, often associated with centrilobular dilatation of distal air spaces.


Bronchography in chronic bronchitis.

Bronchography in chronic bronchitis. Bronchograms were made in eight men, chosen on clinical grounds as representative of three grades of severity in a series of 67 male bronchitis studied prospectively over a period of 10 years, with the object of ascertaining the anatomical condition at the end of this period. In the stationary group the bronchograms showed only a mild mucous reaction, and peripheral filling was generally good. In the slowly progressive group, mucous obstruction was evident and fairly widespread, and organic changes were present, though not widespread or severe. In the progressive group, both mucous obstruction and organic change were widespread. It was noted that when both mucous obstruction and organic changes were observed the upper lobes were seen to be relatively normal with the exception of  the progressive cases in which all changes were more severe. The bronchographic abnormalities were found to be closely correlated with the grades of clinical severity.


On-line monitoring of mixed venous oxygen saturation after cardiothoracic surgery. On-line monitoring of MVo2 sat. in vivo by means of fibreoptic reflectometry was studied in 19 patients as to its predictive value during the postoperative course after thoracotomy for periods up to 60 hours. In all but one of the 10 patients with MVo2 sat. less than 65% for at least one hour complications occurred. A fall of MVo2 sat. of more than 5% or a value below 60% predicted a period of hypotension in six patients. In two of them this coincided with a period of ventricular arrhythmias. In those with MVo2 sat. greater than 65% no postoperative complications such as arrhythmias, shock, respiratory dysfunction or oliguria took place.


Adult cyanotic congenital heart disease. The surgical treatment of cyanotic heart disease in the adult poses some technical difficulties in correcting severe anatomical deformities and compromised physiological states over a wide range of conditions. Various abnormalities and their surgical management have been reviewed. Forty-six patients over the age of 18 years have been operated with 10 operative deaths. Of the survivors, 63% have had excellent clinical result; 69.5% of the total group had an excellent or good result following surgery. It is concluded that the age of the patient is not a bar to the complete repair of these deformities, and all cases of adult cyanotic heart disease should be investigated with a view to surgical correction.