A community survey of asthmatic characteristics. A survey was undertaken among adults aged 20-44 years in a South Wales town. Persons with a history of wheezing with breathlessness and in the absence of a cold were identified by postal questionnaires and seen at a clinic, together with a sample of subjects without these symptoms. The response rates for the first and second stages of the survey were 99.6% and 91.0% respectively, and 574 subjects were ultimately seen. Asthmatic patients (those receiving treatment within the previous year) had some airways obstruction at rest, which increased after exercise. They also had strong allergic tendencies, as shown by personal and family history, skin tests, and serum IgE levels. The ex-asthmatics (those not receiving treatment within the previous year) showed these tendencies to a lesser extent. A larger group gave a history of wheezing but stated that they had never had asthma; in their response to exercise and allergic traits they resembled the control group rather than the asthmatics, and appeared to have the features of chronic bronchitis. Asthma and chronic bronchitis would therefore seem to be distinct entities within the population studied.


A system for processing by digital computer spirograms acquired in field surveys. Instrumentation and techniques are described for recording expiratory spirograms in the field and analysing them with a digital computer in the laboratory. A commercially available spirometer is modified, to give an oscillating electrical output signal which is recorded on a cassette tape recorder. The computer displays the spirogram, calculates the forced vital capacity, one-second forced expiratory volume, maximum mid-expiratory flow, and time to expire 25%, 50%, 75%, and 90% of the vital capacity.


Surgical management of staphylococcal pericarditis. The surgical management of 10 patients with staphylococcal pericarditis is described. Of the 10, seven were children aged 12 years or under. A variety of procedures was used to drain the pericardium at open operation; these included left anterior thoracotomy, left anterolateral thoracotomy, median sternotomy, and the transdiaphragmatic approach to the pericardium. The pathological findings at operation are described. Two patients died; one of the deaths was related to the operation, the other was not. The remained eight patients were ultimately well although two required reoperation before recovery was achieved. After the initial diagnosis of pyopericardium, early consideration of operative drainage is advocated. An effective means of surgical management is dependent, open drainage of the pericardium approach by the transdiaphragmatic route.


The radial intercepts method for measuring bronchial mucous gland volume. A new linear method, the radial intercepts method, has been introduced for quantitating the components of the bronchial wall. The method is an adaptation of Rosiwal's (1898) original linear measurement technique, but unlike Rosiwal's the radial intercepts method takes measurements along radii at regular sectoral intervals. The method is reproducible and, from its high correlation with the standard planimetric, cut-weigh, and point-count techniques for quantifying bronchial wall components (Bedrossian, Anderson and Foraker, 1971), it is concluded that the method is reliable.


Infected left atrial mass within anatomically normal heart. A case is presented with some features of subacute bacterial endocarditis and of left atrial myxoma. Operative removal of a 5x3 cm tumour lying above and attached to an anatomically normal mitral valve reversed a rapidly deteriorating clinical situation. Histologically the entire tumour appeared to be old thrombus, and Gram-positive cocci in its superficial strata corresponded with Streptococcus viridans previously isolated from blood cultures. Many features, including an eight-year history of intermittent neurological disturbances and recent increasing hypergammaglobulinaemia, accord with the diagnosis of atrial myxoma. However, the valvular attachment site, absence of any cardiac structural abnormality, and tumour histopathology with bacterial colonization of the tumour present a unique situation which is explored in the discussion.


Thymoma and systemic lupus erythematosus. The simultaneous occurrence of a thymoma and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is reported. Disease state associated with thymoma are reviewed and the possible immunological basis for this spectrum of diseases is discussed. The role of angiography in the diagnosis of thymic tumours is described.


[Palmar dermatoglyphics in different phenotypic manifestations of schizophrenia]. Palmar dermatoglyphics was studied in 1120 patients with schizophrenia with due regard for its form, and in 1240 healthy persons of the same population. The frequency of the AU/AC type of patterns in the hypothenar area was increased in women with schizophrenia and its paranoid form. Among men with schizophrenia and its simple form the frequency of dysplasia, true and defective patterns on the thenar was increased; in addition in men with the paranoid form the frequency of loops in the 3d interdigital areas was also increased.


[Tertiary structure of histones].

[Tertiary structure of histones]. Optical absorption and fluorescence of histones F2a and F2b were studied. An increase in pH and ionic strength induced the structure change in these histones fractions. The hydrofobic sites are formed in protein molecules and this leads to an intensification of histone-histone interactions. The change in the histone tertiary structure is of importance for processes associated with regulation of gene activity in eukaryotic cells.


[Reproduction of chicken chromosomes at the end of the DNA synthesis period]. Reduplication of chicken chromosomes at the end of S-period in the cells of bone marrow was studied, using the method of prolonged labelling with 3H-thymidine and autoradiography. It is shown that during the last hour of the S-period the DNA synthesis in macrochromosomes ends primarily in the centromere region and the regions adjacent to it. Sex chromosomes (ZZ) of cocks accomplish the reproduction simultaneously.


[Seasonal dynamics in the function of avian pituitary gonadotropic cells]. The investigations showed that differentiation and functional activity of gonadotropocytes in ducks at different phases of a sexual cycle change in complete conformity with the quantitative changes of gonadotropic hormones in the hypophysis and peripheral blood. Intensification of the function of gonadotropocytes and an increase in the content of gonadotropins in blood and hypophysis correspond to activation of gonads. The refracteriness of gonads is accompanied by involution of gonadotropocytes and inhibition of synthesis and secretion of gonadotropins in them.


[Cellular interactions in lymph node cultures]. The comparison of the results of the author's own observations based on the tissue culture method, autoradiography and time lapse cinemicrography with the data of literature permits concluding that the lymphoid cells are capable of exchanging biological information through the cytoplasmic bridges arising between them. The data obtained show an active penetration of lymphocytes into the cytoplasm of reticular cells and macrophages.


[Methods of determining the mutagenic activity of chemical compounds]. The paper deals with methods for determining the mutagenic activity of chemical compounds. Bacteria, cell culture and host-mediated assay were used for that purpose.


[Characteristics of structural chromosome aberrations induced by type 1 adenovirus in human and Chinese hamster cells in vitro]. Adenovirus multiplies in both studied cultures. In the Chinese hamster cells infection is of slowed down, cyclic character. In this case a short subcultivation of cells infected with the virus and the study of the damage distribution in groups of chromosomes are possible. No selectivity was found with respect to the damage of certain group chromosomes.


[Effect of temperature on the occurrence and repair of radiaiton-induced damage to V. faba and Chinese hamster cells]. Keeping of irradiated cells at the temperature differing from the optimal one affects differently the stages of the cellular cycle and survival rate revealing the protection in G2 at 4 degrees C and increasing the number of cells with aberrations at the expense of interchromosome chromide translocations. Caffein decreased the survival rate of cells kept in suspension at 4 degrees C.


[Genealogical analysis in progenia].

[Genealogical analysis in progenia]. The article is based on studies of 16 probands. Among 268 relatives of the proband 64 "progenic" were detected. Variability of the character manifestation, i.e. clinical polymorphism, incomplete penetrance and different expressiveness of the pathological gene, is typical of progeny. Genetic analysis helps recognizing this anomaly by external, slightly noticeable symptoms.


[Ultrastructural and functional expression of the hepatocyte genome in conditions of prolonged suppression by cycloheximide of protein synthesis. IV]. RNA synthesis was intensified in isolated nuclei of the rat liver an hour after the animal treatment with cycloheximide (CHI). Incubation of the nuclei with a cytoplasmic fraction 160000 g obtained from normal rats decreases RNA synthesis, and that obtained from CHI-treated animals-increases it. Mechanisms of this effects are discussed.


[Effect of immunization of mice with live viral vaccines on bone marrow cell chromosomes in 1st generation progeny]. In bone marrow cells of the first generation progeny obtained from mice intensively immunized with live antiviral vaccines (poliovaccine, measles and smallpox vaccines) an increase of chromosome frequency aberrations is observed mainly due to chromatid breaks. Simultaneously a considerable delay in growth was determined for progeny obtained from the vaccinated animals as compared with the control.


[Chromosomes of the Black Sea Gobiidae--Gobius melanostomus (Pallas) and Gobius batrachocephalus (Pallas) ]. The chromosome set of G. melanostomus (Pallas) consists of 46 acrocentric chromosomes (2n-46).  There are 30 chromosomes in the caryotype of G. batrachocephalus (Pallas):  16 metacentric and 14 acrocentric.  The equal number of arms in the chromosome sets of the studied fish (FN-46) evidences for phylogenetic relationships of these species.


[The "Asthma Programme" (author's transl)]. The "asthma programme", the product of teamwork between the 1st Department of Dermatology and the 2nd Department of Medicine is presented. It contains all examinations necessary for the diagnosis of bronchial asthma: case history, skin test, IgE, RAST, lung function test, inhalative provocation test. The value of each is discussed. Finally, the results of hyposensitation treatment are presented.


[Absorption and pharmacokinetics of large doses of 1-thyroxine in man (author's transl)]. In recent years suppression tests with a single dose of 3 mg 1-thyroxine (T4) and weekly doses of 1 mg T 4 in the treatment of hypothyroidism have been put to clinical trial and the lack of side-effects of such high doses (5 to 15 X daily requirements) was stressed. Hence, it was decided to study the absorption of 1-T-4 from the gastrointestinal tract and its metabolism in euthyroid patients. Doses from 250 to 2500 mug T 4, mixed with 250 muCi 131I-thyroxine were given to 10 patients. After the thyroid had been blocked with perchlorate, the excretion was followed in faeces and urine for 4 to 5 days, the thyroid uptake of 131I was checked and serial blood samples were drawn to follow plasma activity curves. Quantitative analyses of T 4, triiodothyronine (T 3), ETR and TSH were also performed on the plasma samples, whilst paper chromatography of urine samples allowed a further separation of iodide and organic iodine compounds. The results showed a definite rise in plasma T 4 levels after administration of large T 4 doses, with a simultaneous increase in T 3 values. Doses of 2500 mug T 4 temporarily produce abnormally elevated plasma T 4 and ETR values, whilst T 3 increases to the upper limit of the normal range. The relatively moderate reaction of the mentioned parameters following the administration of large T 4 doses can be partly explained by the considerably lower faecal excretion of T 4 with doses of 250 mug T 4 than with high T 4 doses. There is also an intensive binding of T 4 to TBG up to single doses of 1000 mug T 4, which provides an adequate metabolic "buffer" and declines only after saturation of the TBG binding capacity at higher dosage. Moreover, larger doses of T 4 are metabolized quicker than smaller ones. The above-mentioned results allow the following conclusions: 1. Very large single doses of T 4 (2500 to 3000 mug) are less easily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract than "physiological" doses. 2. The degradation of T 4 at high dosage is quicker than at lower dosage. 3. The intensive binding of T 4 to TBG explains the lack of side effects with large doses of orally-administered T 4. 4. On the basis of the present data single doses of 500 to 1000 mug T 4 can be recommended for therapeutic purposes.


[The detection of hyperlipidaemia during routine preventive medicine investigations. Serum lipid values in 3006 viennese adults (author's transl)]. 1. 3006 adult volunteers (1001 women after an overnight fast of at least 12 hours and 2005 women and men, 6 to 8 hours after a light breakfast) were investigated in regard to serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, body weight and height. 2. 73.8% of the men and 75.2% of the women were overweight. The degree of overweight increased with increasing age and only decreased in the advanced age groups. 3. Serum triglyceride and cholesterol values increased with increasing age and showed a decrease in the older groups. 4. Serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels increased with increasing weight, also within each single decade. 5. 21.7% of the 1001 fasting women showed values for TG over 200 mg/dl and/or Chol over 300 mg/dl.


[Bronchitis and emphysem: which is the primary condition? (author's transl)]. Chronic obstructive lung disease conprises 2 groups of diseases which have a different pathogenesis and require different therapy: 1. Chronic bronchitis with secondary emphysema. 2. Primary emphysema complicated by bronchitis. A differentiation between these 2 groups of patients is possible on the basis of lung function tests except in patients with complications, in whom long-term observation is required for clarification of the diagnosis. Separation of these conditions is also of importance in epidemiological studies of chronic bronchitis.


[Septic shock with disseminated intravascular coagulation and adrenal failure (author's transl)]. The case is reported of a 15 year-old patient admitted in a state of severe shock with disseminated intravascular coagulation, complicated by unilateral adrenal failure as demonstrated scintigraphically by the absence of I131-labelled cholesterol uptake. Problems arising in the differential diagnosis and therapeutic management are discussed.


[The submaximal ergometric load test in hypertensive patients during physical training and treatment with debrisoquin (author's transl)]. A standardized simple submaximal ergometric load test was used to investigate the effects of active physical training combined with physical-balneological therapy over a 4-week period in 68 hypertensive patients. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased slightly (6 and 4% respectively), without any further medication, although the resting heart rate remained virtually unchanged. The identical examination regimen was applied to 2 groups of hypertensive patients (total 61), who were additionally treated for 3 weeks with respective doses of 30 mg or 40 mg debrisoquin daily, as a hypotensive agent. This additional treatment caused an optimum reduction in blood pressure (14 to 17%) and a decrease in heart rate (8 to 15%) at rest and during exercise. In summary, the additional pharmacological supporting measure intensifies the beneficial effects of exercise treatment in reducing high blood pressure and moreover, in decreasing heart rate values at rest and during work performance. The same physical load is performed more economically under conditions of lowered myocardial effort and reduced oxygen demand.


[Immunosuppressive long-term treatment of chronic aggressive hepatitis]. 47 patients with chronic aggressive hepatitis were immunosuppressively treated on the average 33.8 months (daily dose 100 mg azathioprine and 10 mg prednisolone). The serochemical parameters thymol, ZnSO4, GOT and GPT statistically significantly improved themselves. In 36 patients bioptic controls in 61.1% resulted in an improvement, and in 27.8% of the cases they resulted in a constancy of the histological findings. 10.6% of the patients died of a liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension. Nearly half the patients is capable to work. No severe side-effects appeared. The present results correspond to the results mentioned in literature. The chronic aggressive hepatitis, furthermore, should be added to a prednisone monotherapy or to a combination therapy of azathioprine and prednisone.


[Development of neuroses].

[Development of neuroses]. In internal medicine neuroses are emphasized by physical symptomatology. In the contest with the environment the psychic reaction is a regulator for the motor and vegetative conditions of action. However, the vegetative emotional reactions take place autonomously according to the laws of the instinct behaviour, whereas the motor emotional reaction is oppressed and a voluntary motor action regulated by thinking is substituted. The coordination disturbance can reach the value of a disease. Hereby in detail organic dispositions, environmental damages, wrong programmations of the behaviour in form of reflex and primarily psychic faulty developments play a role as well as secondary defective psychic developments by advantage through disease.


[Diagnosis of neuroses].

[Diagnosis of neuroses]. After exclusion of organic findings a neurosis must be diagnosed positively, whereby the temporary connection between load and symptom is insufficient and a symptom-specific connection is scarcely to be established so that the positive diagnosis of neurosis must establish the proof of a dynamic connection between a biographic situation and the appearance of a symptom. From this principles the possibility of a simple short exploration for the specialist of different disciplines is derived, whereby it is particularly referred to the possibilities of screening tests (questionnaire of complaints, questionnaire of behaviour) of Höck and Hess. Finally, it is referred to the favourable possibilities which exist for the specialist of different disciplines for getting elementary knowledge in diagnostics and therapy of neuroses.


[Therapy of neuroses].

[Therapy of neuroses]. The therapy of neuroses begins with the creation of a condition of confidence between physician and patient. It is followed by a relevant explanation of pathophysiologic connections, which must effect the removal of anxiety in the patient. A common task leads to the proper process. The use of the various therapeutic methods, which are differed as centered to symptoms and centered to personality above all depends on the degree of severity of the neurosis. Results from the two groups of treatment are reported. The use of autogenic training in bronchial asthma, estimated according to the changes of the maximum expiration speed and the maximum breathing capacity, as an example of a symptom-centered method. As an example of a personality-centered treatment it is reported on a complex group psychotherapy in cases of chronic ulcerative colitis in an in-patient department, estimated according to the frequency of relapses and to the capability to work before and after psychotherapy.


[Experiences with a standardized questionnaire for determination of the vegetative lability and certain life and behavior styles in patients of internal medicine clinic]. 180 students without pathological psychic findings, 233 students with psychic disturbances, 168 internal patients with vegetative disturbances and 231 patients with progressive chronic polyarthritis were interrogated with the VELA-questionnaire of Fahrenberg and the ENR-questionnaire according to Brengelmann and Brengelmann. Compared with the normal group all other groups had significantly higher VELA-values. The combination E less than 10, N greater then 26 was found in students without pathological psychic findings in 2.8%, in patients with rheumatism in 7.4%, in internal patients in 21.4% and in students with psychic disturbances in 24.1%. With this combination and another one with extreme values 5.1% of the comparative group, 9.6% of the patients with somatic diseases and approximately 61.4% of the patients with a high number of vegetative complaints are suspicious of a psychic disturbance which must be treated.


[Pathophysiology and clinical aspects of parathyroid hormone]. In this paper the contemporary knowledge about structure, metabolism, secretion, level in blood plasma and diagnostic significance of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) is summarized. The difficulties connected with PTH estimations in human plasma are especially emphasized.


[Behavior of lactate and pyruvate as well as lactate/pyruvate quotient in blood in human thyroid gland disorders]. The pyruvate and lactate levels in blood of patients with thyroid diseases were investigated and also the lactate/pyruvate ratio. The levels of pyruvate were significantly elevated in hyperthyreotic patients in comparison with the euthyreotic control group; in hypothyreotic patients the levels were lowered. Only in hypothyreotic patients the lactate level was slightly increased. In all the three groups the lactate/pyruvate ratio showed highly significant differences, in hyperthyreosis decreased, in hypothyreosis increased in comparison with normal subjects. In patients suffering from hyperthyreosis as well as in cases with euthyreotic goitre we found similar pyruvate levels and lactate/pyruvate ratios as in the hyperthyreotic cases. It seems likely to be an inexpected effect of the treatment with pure triiodothyronine or triiodothyronine/thyroxine in combination.


[Studies on the behavior of human growth hormone (HGH) level in the preparation period for the clinical test]. Behaviour of human growth hormone (HGH) during preparation for a clinical test. 172 adults and 63 children were examined for the behaviour of their HGH basic values during preparation for a clinical test. Even before the beginning of the stimulation itself 11% of the adults and 47,5% of the children showed a fluctuation of the HGH levels in the serum. Neglect of these HGH movements involves the risk of misinterpretation and thus of false diagnosis. It therefore appears to be essential, especially for judging stunted-growth forms in childhood, to make tests for "empty stomach" values for the purpose of HGH determination at least 30 minutes before and immediately at the beginning of the stimulation test. The behaviour of the basic values must be included in the assessment of the test.


[Differential diagnosis of essential obesity and Cushing's syndrome]. In short a critical attitude is adopted concerning the problem Cushing's syndrome, resulting from the publication of Kubel and Schwerdtner [this journal 30, 282 (1975)]. The differentiation between Cushing's syndrome and adiposity is in the first place. Apart from this a basic programme is cited and the value of time-saving tests for the patient is emphasized (daily profile of cortisol, overnight test).


[Stress tests and coronary angiography in chronic myocardial infarct]. In patients with myocardial infarction (MI) the presence or absence of lesions in vessels other than the one which perfuses the infarcted area, has implications regarding coronary bypass surgery, long term anticoagulant therapy, work capacity and prognosis. We investigated whether involvement of a 2nd or 3rd vessels as demonstrated by coronary angiography can be predicted on the basis of angina pectoris and/or ischemic ST-segment depression during exercise. Inferior myocardial infarction (IMI, n = 146) Severe lesions (greater than or equal to 75%) of a 2nd or 3rd vessel were found in 61.7% of patients with IMI, who developed angina pectoris and ischemic ST-segment depression, in 18.6% of patients with ST-segment depression only, in 9.1% of patients with angina pectoris only and in 3.4% with neither angina pectoris nor ST-segment depression. Anteroseptal infarction (ASI, n = 116) Severe lesions (greater than or equal to 75%) of a 2nd or 3rd vessel were found in 30.2% of patients with ASI, who developed Angina pectoris and ischemic ST-segment depression; in 26.6% of patients with ST-segment depression only, in 20.0% of patients with angina pectoris only and in 3.0% of the patients with neither angina pectoris nor ST-segment depression. The clinical implications of the results are discussed.


[Functional scintigraphy of the heart: correlations with cardiological parameters]. According to Zierler's theoretical deduction time activity curves obtained from different parts of the central circulation after injection of a bolus of radioactivity are dependent on the volume and the flow. We tried to prove this by experiments and checked simultaneously the quality of the method developed by us using a Gamma Camera and a computer. We correlated the peak to peak time from the right to the left ventricle and the mean transit time of the left ventricle with the cardiac index and the enddiastolic volume of the left ventricle in patients with valvular heart disease. For this purpose patients were selected in whom either the cardiac index or the enddiastolic volume of the left ventricle were in the normal range. Under these conditions there was a highly significant correlation between these parameters. Moreover the mean pressure of the pulmonary artery and the mean pulmonary wedge pressure correlated significantly with the peak to peak time from the right ventricle to pulmonary artery. This may be explained by the correlation between the volume of the pulmonary vascular system and its pressures. As expected, there was no correlation between the time parameters from the nuclear medicine method and the enddiastolic pressure of the left ventricle in patients with valvular heart disease. The results are in good agreement with the diagnostic accuracy of the method in recognizing valvular heart disease as well as with the correlation between the hemodynamic stage in valvular heart disease and the change of the time parameters of the time activity curves.


[Hemodynamic evaluation of cardiac insufficiency in the acute stage of myocardial infarct]. In 70 patients hemodynamic controls were preformed during the first 4 days after acute myocardial infarction. A sufficient regulation of heart function and the circulation at rest was accepted with the following conditions: pulmonary artery wedge pressure less than or equal to 13mm Hg, mean right atrial pressure less than or equal to 6 mm Hg, mean systemic arterial pressure greater than 70 mm Hg, cardiac index greater than 2.51/min/m2 and stroke index greater than 25 ml/m2. In 88% of the patients with acute myocardial infarction a cardiac failure was present at rest. The pressures in the right atrium and left atrium (from wedge pressures) were elevated and cardiac output was reduced. The ratio of stroke work index/mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure allowed a more precise differentiation between a compensated and failing heart (X +/- S = 3.6 +/- 0.7 resp. 1.7 +/- 0.6 g m/m2 mm Hg). In the average, a significant improvement of the hemodynamic alterations, due or not due to therapy, occurred only at the 3rd day or later. In the individual case, this improvement points to a favorable prognosis.


[Does obesity have an effect on heart function?]. Cardiac performance was studied in 14 obese but otherwise healthy young subjects during rest and submaximal ergometric exercise by means of Swan Ganz catheters. Cardiac output and stroke volume determined by the thermal dilution method were normal or slightly increased during rest rising on exercise in the usual range. However, mean pulmonary artery and pulmonary wedge pressures were increased above normal values in 50% of the patients during exercise indicating depressed left ventricular function. Patients with normal and abnormal hemodynamic response to exercise could not be separated by clinical findings. Repetition of studies in 11 patients following therapeutic starvation of 2-3 weeks duration revealed a statistically significant fall of pressures in the right atrium, the pulmonary artery and in the pulmonary wedge position during rest and exercise. In the majority of patients a moderate reduction in cardiac output and stroke volume suggested a decrease in preload due to loss of intravascular volume, but in a few instances with unaltered or increased cardiac output improvement of cardiac function had to be considered.


[Transcutaneous measurements of age conditioned changes in the elasticity of the human common carotid artery]. Measurements of common carotid arterial wall properties were done in a group of 36 test persons who were clinically free of arteriosclerosis obliterans. The patients were divided into three groups according to the age: 18-33, 36-52 and 56-72 years. Diameter and changes in diameter were measured using an ultrasonic echo-tracking system. Arterial pulse pressure simultaneously was determined by the auscultatory method. The deduced parameters of visco-elastic arterial wall property as distensibility, volume-eleastic modulus and pulse wave velocity indicate that arteries become stiffer with the age. The volume-elastic-modulus specially shows a numerical increase of 100% according to the age. An interpretation based on morphological investigations as well as the possibility using non-invasive methods to recognize an early manifestation of arteriosclerosis are discussed.


[Professional brucellosis and endemic brucellosis in a given area]. An epidemiological survey was carried out in an area where there is an abattoir/canning factory in which a recrudescence of cases of professional brucellosis was observed: whilst there had been 29 cases of brucellosis in 8 years, 10 cases were confirmed in 1970. Our survey had underlined a brucellosis endemy in the population of that area: 32.50% of the patients had agglutinating or complement-fixing antibodies (698 people were examined). Results obtained have brought us to discuss the professional origin of brucellosis.


[Antibiotic resistance plasmids in Salmonella; ecology and epidemiology about one pattern: Salmonella panama (author's transl)]. A systematical investigation on Salmonella has been carried out in sewage and waste water treatment plant effluents. Antibiotic resistance then resistance transfert study make evident the plasmid interference. From Salmonella panama, studies have been attempted to file and to identify resistance plasmids of this very diffused serotype. Epidemiological consequences of this classification are discussed.


[Atypical mycobacteria isolated from ganglions of presumed-healthy bovine and swine (author's transl)]. A study has been carried out to detect the frequency of atypical mycobacteria in ganglions belonging to two types of animals: bovine and swine. A total of 250 samples (150 cows and 100 pigs) were studied. The samples were decontaminated by the lauryl-sulfate technique, using two mycobacteria culture media: Löwenstein-Jensen and Coletsos base. 14 pig ganglion strains were isolated (8 M. avium; 3 M. gordonae; 2 M. fortuitum; 1 M. chelonei) and 13 from the cow samples (5 M. avium, 3 M. Kansasii; 2 M. gordonae; 2 M. fortuitum; 1 M. phlei). The most frequently isolated mycobacteria was M. avium (48.14% of total isolated strains). This study confirms the possible importance of these animals in the epidemiology of mycobacteriosis.


[Automated multiphasic health testing (A.M.H.T.) in U.S.A. (author's transl)]. The functioning of two Automated Multiphasic Health Testing Centers in the United States is described. One is located in the U.S. Public Health Service Hospital in Baltimore, the other in the Kaiser Foundation Hospital in Oakland. Many tests performed are identical in both centers with a large use of computers technics. The goal of health testing is the detection of diseases, early signs of disease and risk factors evaluation. A considerable effort is made for health education which is one of the best preventive measure.


[Cranial traumatism following a fall in children under 4 years of age (author's transl)]. This survey was carried out on 706 cases chosen at random, of cranial traumatism following a fall in children under 4; it underlines the fact that in most cases there is a favourable evolution. However, complications may always occur, even in apparently slight accidents. A clinical examination, although difficult to carry out, reveals important information for the detection and treatment of complications, which are mainly intracranial collections which are not always immediately detectable; this entails a constant observation for at least one week. Complementary tests give information which must be interpreted according to clinical situation.


[Prevalence of Australia antigen among children in rural populations of Senegal (author's transl)]. The 8 villages surveyed in the operational zone of Niarhar (Sine, Senegal, Africa) involved 1,182 children aged 0-14 years. 11.2% of these children showed a positive HB antigenaemia. The percentage of prevalence which was already high in the 0-1 year-old group (5.7%) increased progressively, attaining the maximum of 13.5% in the 5-9-year-old age group. The current theory that a higher frequency of HB antigenaemia is found among boys was confirmed, but there is no evidence that this "androtropism" is related only to sex. The rates of total prevalence vary from 7.1% to 16% according to the geographical regions. It was not possible to prove the existence of a possible relation between the different levels of prevalence on the one hand, and on the other hand the geographical position, size, structure, social and economic typology of the villages and the anopheline activity.


Sindbis virus infected L cells studied by ferritin-labelled antibodies. Sindbis virus infected L cells were examined by immunoferritin technique at different times after infection. Initially virus-specific antigens appeared diffusely distributed in the cytoplasm and at the surface of vacuoles. Later on, both labelled nucleocapsids surrounding vacuoles and mature virus within their lumen were demonstrated. Maturation of virus occurred predominantly at the periphery of cells, and that mainly by budding from cell processes. The appearance of big crystals consisting of nucleocapsids is a typical event of late stages of infection. These findings are compared with corresponding fluorescent antibody results.


Lipoproteinase of group A streptococci and the antibodies in human sera. The possibility of revealing lipoproteinase (serum opacity factor--OF) in hydrochloric and alkaline extracts from streptococcal cultures and the possibility of concentration and purification of this enzyme by means of gel-filtration and ion-exchange chromatography have been confirmed. When studying antibodies to OF in the blood of healthy and sick people, we were able both to reveal and to determine the titre of antibodies to OF of different serological M types (2, 4, 22/12, 22 and 49) in the sera under study (170 sera from the same number of persons). In groups of healthy people, anti-OF antibodies were shown to be present with a high frequency as well as in patients. But the titres of antibodies in the former were lower than in the latter. Most sera (32%) neutralized OF of one serological type and only 3% all types of enzymes used. The type-specificity of the anti-OF antibodies was shown. The data obtained are yet insufficient for epidemiological or clinical analysis but they point out the possibility of using the anti-OF test for these purposes.


Biochemical, immunochemical and immunobiological properties of a chloramphenicol-resistant Salmonella typhi strain isolated in Mexico. The authors have compared the biochemical, immunochemical and immunobiological properties of a chloramphenicol-resistant S. typhi strain isolated during the typhoid fever epidemic in Mexico of 1972 and those of a chloramphenicol-sensitive strain (S. typhi Ty2). They have found no difference in the chemical composition of the two strains. The immunobiological investigations have shown, that the chloramphenicol-resistant strain contains less Vi antigen, it is less virulent on mice, and its active and passive mouse-protective ability is lower than that of the chloramphenicol-sensitive S. typhi Ty2 strain. These findings supported by the result of the electrophoretic analysis suggest that the chloramphenicol-resistant strain is a VW strain, while the chloramphenicol-sensitive strain is a full V strain; the quantitative difference found between the immunogenicity of the two strains to the advantage of the chloramphenicol-sensitive strain may probably be explained by this fact. On the basis of their immunological investigations the authors are of the opinion, that vaccines prepared from chloramphenicol-sensitive S. typhi strains (provided these are full V strains, as e.g. the S. typhi Ty2 strain) will protect most likely also man against infection due to chloramphenicol-resistant S. typhi strains.


Immunochemical studies on purified common enterobacterial antigen (KUNIN). A common antigen (KUNIN) purification method is described. The preparation obtained was highly antigenic, as proved by hemagglutination and its inhibition, and immunogenic in rabbits. Chemical analysis demonstrated the presence of an L-phosphoglycerid of the cephalin type, of protein, glucosamine, acetyl and glucose. The antigen had the character of an acidic polymer. It readily forms salt linkages with lysozyme. Phospholipase A induced the release of myristic, palmitic and stearic acids. It also destroyed both the antigenicity and immunogenicity of common antigen.


Salmonellae with antibiotic resistance and R plasmids in Danube River. Incidence of antibiotic resistance and of R plasmids and its dynamics was investigated in 1084 Salmonella strains isolated in the Danube River on Czechoslovak territory in recent years. From 261 strains belonging to various serotypes of Salmonella isolated at various sampling sites along the Danube in June 1972 to June 1973, 31 strains were found to be resistant to antibiotics and 24 (77.2%) carried R plasmids. The influence of waste waters from large cities (Vienna, Bratislava) in this respect was striking. No correlation was found between the frequency of occurence of resistant Salmonellae and the season of year. The results from the season 1972 to 1973 were compared with those obtained in 823 stock cultures of Salmonellae isolated from the Danube in 1967-68 and in 1969. The increase of incidence of antibiotic resistance and particularly of R plasmids in Salmonella strains from the Danube up to 1973 is striking.


[Expansion phenomena of Proteus cultures. I. The swarming expansion (author's transl)]. The expansion of Proteus cultures on nutrient agar plates is in general attributed to negative chemotaxis with regard to a metabolic product of the culture itself. The initial latency of several hours is assumed to be the time necessary for the production and imbibition of the nutrient with the incriminated metabolite. In the present paper it will be shown that independent of this delayed expansion (expansion with initial latency) there also exists an immediate expansion that takes place when the seeded material is young (less than 12-24 hours) and rich in invasive filaments. The reaction also occurs after washing the seeded material in fresh broth. It is therefore independent of the presence of a metabolite whose production and diffusion in the nutrient substrate would have necessitated some time. It is not a question of reaction to a chemical substance but, as demonstrated experimentally, of a response to tactile stimuli. Marked thigmotaxis induced centrifugal penetration of invading filaments at the edge of the seeded droplet, between the superficial film of the suspension fluid and the surface of the nutrient agar. Heading towards the narrowest capillary spaces, groups of bacilli form, immediately after seeding, protrusions that emboss the outer contour of the droplet ("protuberances" Fig. 2, 3, 15). These protuberances continue outwards until they detach themselves from the central agglomeration. The independent bacterial "shoals" (Fig. 5, 6, 10) swarm chaotically around the seeded droplet. The total lack of orientation has been checked by numerous procedures used for recording the direction of a movement; one of this consists in recording the pathways in a latex film on agar plates (Fig. 1). This swarming phase may last 15 to 30 minutes. As the random movements in a contrary direction compensate one another, the chaotic migration of the microbial shoals would contribute little to expansion of the colony, if gradual disruption of the bacterial groups would not interfere in the meantime. Isolated individuals detached from the shoals become immobile from the moment in which they separate from the bacterial group they belonged to ("immunobilization reaction"). Therefore the migrating shoals function as organs of dissemination of the bacteria in the surrounding medium (Fig. 11). (see article).


Further studies on the behavior of 2-mercaptoethanol resistant antibody following cholera vaccinations in a nonendemic country. Additional data are presented in support of the earlier observation that in nonendemic countries 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) resistant vibriocidal antibodies better reflect antibacterial immunity against cholera following vaccination than does total vibriocidal activity. It can be shown that in more than half of the cases even after at least three subsequent vaccinations in six to eight months intervals 2-ME resistant vibriocidins would not last as long as six months. Following intradermal inocculations of vaccine only one in a group of five demonstrated faint 2-ME resistant antibody response. All sera were tested with and without dialysis following 2-ME treatment revealing corresponding results.


[Bacteriocins of Clostridium septicum (author's transl)]. 17 strains of Clostridium septicum were examined for bacteriocin production. Two bacteriocin-producing strains were detected by the stab culture method and the spot test using the supernatant fluids of the cultures. The bacteriocin of Cl. septicum Ovinus was active against all other strains of Cl. septicum without inhibiting the donro strain (Table 2). This bacteriocin and one indicator strain (Wex) were chosen for further study. The bacteriocin, which was spontaneously produced during the logarithmic growth phase of the bacteriocinogenic strain Ovinus (Fig. 1) was not inducible with high temperatures or Mitomycin C. It was resistent to chloroform, but sensitive to heat (Fig. 4, 5) and proteolytic enzymes (Table 4). Its MG is about 20000 (Fig. 3).


A suitable medium for the cultivation of halophilic leptospirae. Cultural studies were carried out on halophilic Leptospirae to find a medium permitting their optimal growth and being easily reproducible. Tween 80 albumin medium enriched with artificial sea water shows these characteristics.


A simple method for separating toxoplasma gondii from infected mouse peritoneal exudate cells. A simple method for separating Toxoplasma trophozoites from the peritoneal exudate cells of infected mice by filtration through filter paper is described. Using this technique peritoneal exudate cells in excess of 90% could be removed.


[Ten new monophasic serotypes of Salmonella subgenus I and two serological variants of monophasic types (author's transl)]. The paper reports on 10 new monophasic serotypes of Salmonella and 2 serological variants which were isolated from stool specimens of healthy persons in epidemiological studies in Togo (West Africa). All strains belong to subgenus I of the genus Salmonella. (see article).


Comparative study of the prevalence of mycoplasma in males with non specific urethritis. Three groups of males were examined for the study of Mycoplasma in the aetiology of Non-specific Urethritis. From a group of 120 men suffering from N.S.U. (group I) have been isolated from the genital tract "large-colony" and T-strain mycoplasma in proportion 22.5% and 68.3% respectively. Socially this group represent the lower classes of the population. From another group of 165 male students suffering also from N.S.U. (group II) have been isolated from the genital tract "large-colony" and T-strain mycoplasma in proportion 25.4% and 58.1% respectively. This group was of higher social and hygienic standards. In contrast in a control group of 70 medical students without urethritis the range was for the "large-colony" 8.5% only and for the T-strain 21.4%. Socially, this group corresponded closely to the Group II. In this study a significant association of T-strain mycoplasma with N.S.U. has been found. Urethral specimens were obtained from all the men by the same method. No statistically significant difference in the isolation rate of Mycoplasma was seen, between Group I which represents a relatively low social and hygienic level and Group II which represents higher social and hygienic standards. It is interesting to note that the percentage of control healthy group (group III) yielding T-strain mycoplasma was lower and no similar to that recorded in previous investigations.


[The expediency and feasibility of abolishing the use of antitetanus serum for injuries in the Arkhangel'sk region]. The use of antitetanus serum (ATS) in the north taiga soil-vegetative zone and farther to the north is inexpedient because of an insignificant contamination of soil with B. tetani and a trivial contact of the population with soil. In the Arkhangelsk region with a high incidence of trauma and a low tetanus morbidity the damage caused to the population by the administration of ATS in the form of serum sickness (1.1% of the persons given ATS injections) and anaphylactic shock considerably exceeded the value of negative results of the infection. In the presence of immune population (over 86% of the children and 82% of adults are immune) and with additional vaccination of definite groups it is not only possible, but necessary to suspend ATS injections in trauma; instead, 0.5 ml of tetanus toxoid should be used for revaccination. Suspension of ATS application in trauma gives marked economy of the budget of the public health of the region.


[An epidemiologic and immunologic study of measles under conditions of massive immunization against that infection]. Massive measles immunization in Riga led to a marked reduction of measles incidence and to a change of the principal regularities of the epidemic process in this infection. Among those who contracted the disease there was an increase in the percentage of schoolchildren; affection with measles of children attending creches and kindergartens and the intensity of the spread of the infection in them diminished. Selective examination of the immunological efficacy of the living measles vaccine prepared of the (see article) and applied in 1967--1972 demonstrated the presence of specific stimulation of the antibody formation in about 90% of the persons vaccinated. The intensity of humoral immunity in the persons vaccinated did not diminish with the advance of time after the vaccination, and 6--7 years after the vaccination over 90% of the vaccinated individuals were reliably protected from measles. The presence of numerous negative results in carrying out the vaccinations in individual institutions is apparently attributed chiefly to disturbances of the storage regimen of transportation and of the use of the vaccine.


[Analysis of the scientific-methodologic basis for vaccine standardization using cholerogen-toxoid as a model]. The author discusses methodical principles of the vaccine standardization on the basis of experience in the standardization of the cholerogen-toxoid, a principally new vaccine preparation for the immunoprophylaxis of cholera. The author substantiated the statement according to which the following should serve as the task of primary importance in the program of investigations: elaboration of a system laboratory-immunological methods for the measurement of properties and quality of preparation, and primarily of its efficacy, strictly adequate to the biological nature of the vaccine (correct), highly-reproducable and of a high informative value. Data are presented proving the fact that without solving the problem of standardization of the vaccine it is practically impossible to lay scientific foundation under the choice of the optimal vaccination doses, under the immunization scheme, and introduction into the association with other preparations etc. At the same time it is emphasized that the absence of the system of measurement of the properties responsible for the biological activity of the vaccine also excludes a possibility of successive improvement of the technology of its production.


[The action of acridine derivatives on penicillinase production by staphylococcus aureus]. A study was made of a possibility of inhibition of biosynthesis of penicillinase in Staph. aureus by acridine derivatives. Acetone preparations of penicillinase were obtained from the cultures of staphylococcus strains 16/160 and 8325 (p11(147) pen 1220) grown in the presence of various subbacterial concentrations of acridine derivatives. The activity of the enzyme was studied in experiment and control by the microiodometric method. Acriflavine and proflavine inhibited the penicillinase biosynthesis from the 4th hour of growth, and rivanol, acrichine, acridines No. 27 and 37--from the 12th hour of the culture growth.


[Resistance of different strains of pathogenic staphylococcus to unfavorable environmental factors]. A study was made of the resistance to drying the UV-irradiation, the action of furacillin and chloramine displayed by 60 stains of S. aureus differing by origin (hospital and extrahospital), by the source of discharge (the upper respiratory tracts of carriers and the discharge of the purulent-inflammatory foci of surgical patients), relation to the antibiotics (polyresistant and sensitive) and phage-group reference. It was found that the resistance of staphylococci to the unfavourable factors was not always associated with the listed signs of the strains. In respect to drying a marked resistance was expressed by the hospital strains in comparison with the extrahospital ones, polyresistant in comparison with the sensitive ones, staphylococci of III and I+III phage groups in comparison with the strains of other bacteriophage groups. Strains of the III phage group proved to be the most resistant to the UV-irradiation. Strains isolated from carriers were more resistant to furacillin than staphylococci isolated from the purulent-inflammatory foci. Strains of the III phage group and nontyping had analogous advantages over the cultures of other phage groups.


[The role of the carotenoid pigments of staphylococcus in the response of cells to temperature changes]. A study was made of the reaction of the membranous apparatus of the pigmented strains of staphylococcus 209-P and its four apigmented variants to the action of various temperatures measured by the exit from the cells of the low molecular components. Permeability of the cell membranes in case of the action of the extreme temperatures of the 209-P strain altered much more than that of the apigment variants. It is supposed that the carotinoid pigments of the apathogenic staphylococci took part in the formation of functional lability of the bacterial membranes.


[Formation of spontaneous and immune rosettes by the cells of the thymus and other formations of the rabbit lymphoid system]. Only T1--RFC (rosette-forming cells) are revealed in the thymus of nonimmunized rabbits. Their number is 2--2.5 times less than in the palatine tonsils, submaxillary lymph nodes and the spleen. T2--RFC are present in these lymphoid formations. There is an increase in the T1--RFC in the thymus after the intravenous immunization of rabbits with sheep erythrocytes. In other lymphoid formations the correlation of the population of cells of the thymus origin altered as a result of increase in the number of T2--RFC. B--RFC accumulated in considerable amounts. Dynamics of T2 and B--RFC accumulation in the lymphoid formations corresponded to the highest antibody titres in the rabbit blood. In the formation of primary immune response the amount of the T1 and T2-RFC in the formations of rabbit lymphoid system depended on the dose of the antigen.


[Formation of secretory antibodies in experimental influenza infection]. The principal peculiarities attending formation of specific secretory immunity in experimental influenza infection were marked individual variability and a relative autonomicity of accumulation of the secretory antibodies. Functional condition of the secretory immunity before the infection influenced the formation of antibodies in the secretions and the blood sera: when the concentration of the secretory antibodies before the infection constituted 1 : 8--1 : 16, general and secretory antibodies accumulated less intensively. There was a progressive fall of the concentration of the secretory immunoglobulin A in the majority of the volunteers the first 3 weeks after the infection. It is supposed that this process played a significant role in the pathogenesis of influenza complications.


[Immunoglobulins and staphylococcal antitoxin in the sera of patients subjected to surgery for acute appendicitis]. The content of staphylococcus antitoxin and IgA, IgG and IgM was studied in the sera of 200 patients operated on for various forms of acute appendicitis. 147 patients were subjected to express-immunization with a crude staphylococcus toxoid. It was revealed that the IgA, IgG and IgM level was much lower in the operated on patients than in healthy persons. Express immunization with the toxoid led to a marked increase in the level of staphylococcus antitoxin and also of the IgA, IgG, IgM in the sera of the vaccinated persons. There was no distinct association between the immunoglobulin content in the sera of the patients and the appearance in them of postoperative complications of staphylococcus etiology; it is not excluded, however, that an intensified IgM synthesis could play a certain role in the protection of the macroorganism from staphylococcus infection. A moderate, but statistically significant correlation between the titre of the staphylococcus antitoxin in the sera of the patients and the content of the IgM and IgA in them was revealed.


[Incidence of epidemic parotitis in different countries]. The authors analyzed the incidence of epidemic parotitis in various countries in 1960--1969 on the basis of the data published by the WHO. It can be supposed that there was no significant difference in the morbidity in various countries and that discrepancy in the official data of individual countries was apparently caused by the errors in recording. In the majority of the countries morbidity curve was fluctuating in character with a 4--5-year periodicity. In the countries of the northern hemisphere the greatest number of cases occurred in spring, and in the southern--in autumn. Monthly distribution of cases during the years with a high and low morbidity level displayed no significant changes.


[New methods of disinfecting the hands]. An equimolar mixture--9.6 g of 85% formic acid and 19 g of 30% hydrogen peroxide which after 60-minute contact at room temperature contained over 3% and after 120-minute contact--over 5% performic acid was used. Before use the mentioned mixture was diluted with water (to the volume of 1 litre). Exposure period--3 minutes. Comparative tests demonstrated that a mixture with performic acid in hand disinfection provided somewhat better results than 0.2% peracetic acid, and that both peracids produced a much stronger disinfecting action on the skin microbial flora than 80% methyl alcohol.


[L-forms of bacteria in the urine of patients with chronic pyelonephritis]. The authors present the data concerning the study of 200 patients suffering from chronic pyelonephritis; in 28 of these L-forms of bacteria were revealed in the urine. Of 46 L-cultures isolated from these patients 13 reversed into bacterial forms, 8 failed to reverse and were referred to the stable L-forms; the rest 25 L-cultures perished during the 8th--10th passage. This led to a supposition that the relapses and exacerbations of the infectious process in pyelonephritis were associated with the change of the L-forms into bacterial ones, and that the persistence of the L-forms in the kidney tissue promoted the maintenance of the chronic process.


[Improvement of the serological diagnosis of food poisoning]. A possibility was shown of improvement of serological diagnosis of salmonelloses with the aid of polyvalent (complex) and group salmonellosis stable formalinized erythrocytic diagnostic agents. The use of the mentioned preparations for titration of antibodies of different immunochemical nature in the sera of patients suffering from food toxicoinfections permitted to confirm the clinical diagnosis of salmonellosis in about 30% of cases.


[Characteristics of the bacterial component in the dynamics of the infectious process in experimental pseudotuberculosis]. A model of experimental pseudotuberculosis caused by the administration to albino mice of virulent local pseudotuberculosis strains was used to study migration of the causative agent into the macroorganism and its tropism. Experimental results permitted to establish a number of regularities attending bacterial spread. The infectious process in pseudotuberculosis began from invasion of the causative agent into the intestinal wall and the subsequent initial bacterial reproduction at the site of invasion and penetration from the intestine into the regional mesenteric lymph nodes. This was followed by rapid reproduction of the microbes in these nodes and contamination of all the organs. With comparatively low doses of the causative agent administered and adequate resistance of mice the infectious process could either stop at the phase of regional infection with regression, or, following hematogenic dissemination, pass into the phase of decline and terminate by animal recovery. Administration of massive doses of the virulent culture led to a septicemic process and death. Experimental data concerning the localization of the microbe in the macroorganism at various phases of the infectious process confirmed the enterotropic character of the pseudotuberculosis causative agent.


[Tin-organic compounds and their biocidal properties]. The authors studied the disinfecting action of the vapour of tributyltin oxide in the aerosol chamber and came to the conclusion that the tin-organic compounds possessed a wide buicidal action, still inadequately used in practice. The mentioned vapour served as a disinfectant only in the presence of water vapour. Tribytyltin oxide (0.15% concentration) displayed an ovicidal action on the ova of Ascaris suum. Tributyltin laurate produced a good insecticidal effect on Musca domestica.


[Design of new types of chemical vaccines for the prevention of intestinal infections and problems of their qualitative evaluation. Report 2. Immunochemical characteristics of the experimental preparations]. A study was made of chemical composition and immunochemical properties of 36 samples of the antigenic preparations from typhoid, paratyphoid (A and B) and dysentery (Flexner and Sonne) cultures obtained at the Leningrad, Moscow and Tashkent Institutes of Vaccine and Sera by various methods. The preparations isolated by the method of tryptic proteolysis had a polysaccharide-protein nature, and preparations isolated by the action of chemical reagents (hydroxylamine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents) -- a protein-polysaccharide one. The former contained more nucleic acids, this indicating the presence of components of cytoplasmic and nuclear origin. The preparations were characterized by molecular heterogeneity and contained high- and low-molecular components. The preparations had complex antigenic spectra by the immunodiffusion data; the preparations obtained had complex antigenic spectra by the immunodiffusion data; the preparations obtained had complex antigenic spectra by the immunodiffusion data; the preparations obtained by different method displayed identity reactions, and group specificity was expressed in some of them.


[Immunochemical study of the toxin of C1. botulinum type E]. Toxins extracted from the cells and the culture fluid of C1. butulinum type E had a similar mol wt and antigenic composition. Trypsin activation led to the appearance of an additional antigen. Coefficient of the cell toxin activation was much greater than the coefficient of activation of the toxin contained in the culture fluid.


[Serological activity of incomplete antibodies]. Blood sera containing incomplete antibodies were studied in various serological tests, by the results of Coombs' and the inhibition of complement fixation tests. It was shown that division of antibodies into complete and incomplete by their serological activity was conditioned. Antibodies detected in Coombs' test could fix the complement. The blocking antibodies depressing the complement fixation test could fix the homologous complement. Proceeding from the latter the author suggests the test of the conglutinating complex fixation which proved to be effective in detection of antibodies inactive in the agglutination and complement fixation tests.


[Influence of the serum of rats subjected to the effects of moderately high temperatures on the immunogenicity of sheep erythrocytes]. A study was made of the properties of the blood of rats subjected to the action of a moderately high external temperature (40 degrees C); it was shown that the immunogenicity of sheep erythrocytes increased as a result of treatment with the serum at 37 degrees C. Preliminary incubation of the sera with a polyvalent proteinase inhibitor -- trasilol eliminated this effect completely. Immunogenicity of sheep erythrocytes did not increase with the treatment by the serum at a temperature of 2 degrees C. It can be supposed that the action of the serum of the heated rats was caused by an increase in them of the proteinase activity.


[Use of the RSP-1M device in practice for the aerosol immunization of humans with dry plague vaccine]. Creating high concentrations of dry vaccine aerosols, RSP-1M pulverizer provides aspiration doses adequate for effective immunization against plague. Aerosol of dry plague vaccine obtained with the aid of RSP-1M was polydispersive; this provides distribution of the preparation along the whole respiratory tract (in man) and its low reactogenic properties.


[Local shwartzman phenomenon in animals with a complete absence and a reduction of the normal microflora]. Macro- and microscopic changes were studied in case of reproduction of the local Schwartzmann phenomenon in animals with various extent of bioisolation. It was revealed that the Schwartzmann phenomenon was positive in the usual animals and negative in the germ-free guinea pigs and in the animals with reduced enteric microbial flora given sterile diet. In the absence of microscopic changes in the germ-free animals there was revealed in their skin a neutrophilic-mononuclear infiltration of the derma, dilatation of the vessels, thrombosis of individual vessels. Apart from the same changes in guinea pigs with a reduced microbial flora, there were found focal extravasation and thrombosis of a somewhat greater number of vessels. There was no marked thromboses of small branches of the vessels, extensive hemorrhages or necroses which usually accompanied positive Schwartzmann phenomenon.


[Interaction of cells of the lymphoid organs in the production of antibodies against the influenza virus. Report 1. Localization of the virus in the cells of the spleen]. A study was made of localization of crude and inactivated influenza virus injected intravenously and intraperitoneally. Macrophages were found to engulf the virus penetrating into the spleen; this was shown by the quantitative and qualitative immunofluorescent method, elcetron microscopy and inoculation to syngenous recipients of homogenates of macrophagal and lymphocytic fractions of splenic cells. No virus was revealed in the lymphocytes.


[Influence of the recA- mutation on spontaneous filamentation and the titer of the lambda phage in ylonB- mutants of E. coli K12 (lambda)]. A study was made of the effect of recA- mutation on the spontaneous filament formation and the spontaneous induction of the lambda prophage in the E. coli K12 strain bearing lonB- mutation. It was revealed that in the absence of a functionally-active product of the recA- gene the lonB- strain of E. coli K12 displayed but a partial depression of spontaneous formation of filamentous forms and of spontaneous induction of the lambda prophage.


[Molecular aspects of the interaction between albumin and tannin-treated erythrocytes in the process of hemosensitization. Report 1. Stable and unstable effects. Quantitative parameters]. A study was made of the process of interaction between the tannin-treated sheep erythrocytes and the human serum albumin. Protein binding increased, whereas the loose/stable binding ratio decreased with the rise of the initial protein concentration. The process of stable albumin binding is described by the Langmour equation, this permitting to assess the limiting binding values -- about 6-10(5) molecules per erythrocyte. Albumin molecules were bound by erythrocyte with their greatest surface. At any concentration albumin was incapable of occupying more than 85% of the erythrocyte surface; at 90% binding level it blocked only 51--52% of the tannin-treated erythrocyte. The data obtained were regarded as a methodical basis for the preparation of erythrocytic diagnostic agents with the proteins of albumin type.


Modified microassay for the rapid and sensitive determination of choline acetyltransferase activity using (3H)-acetyl-CoA and Fonnum's extraction. A modified procedure for the quantitative estimation of choline acetyltransferase activity in brain tissue based upon the formation of [3H]-ACh from [3H]-acetyl-CoA is described. The labelled ACh is isolated by a modification of Fonnum's procedure using sodium tetraphenyl borate in ketonic solution. The ChAc-activity is independent on the specific activity of the [3H]-acetyl-CoA used. The substrate blank is higher than with [14C]-labelled substrate but highly stable and reproducible. The method permits the determination of ChAc activity in less than 5 mug of brain tissue. 30-40 samples may be handled by one person per hour easily.


[Reliable micromethod for determination of the protein content in tissue homogenates]. A micromodification for protein determination in tissue material using Amido black 10 B is described. Compared with the method of LOWRY et al. it requires a comparable time expenditure, but has three principal advantages: 1) it is 5-10fold more sensitive; 2) the calibration curve is linear over a virtually unlimited range; 3) it is feasible in the presence of a number of substances frequently used in protein analyses and making difficult or impossible measurement according to LOWRY et al.


Effect of triiodothyronine on blood lipids in obesity. Different blood lipid components were evaluated in obese and normal Egyptians. In obese, plasma levels of total lipoproteins, beta-lipoprotein, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and non-esterified fatty acids were found to be significantly elevated. The plasma levels of esterified cholesterol and phospholipids were found to be significantly reduced. Tertroxine caused a drop of the plasma level of total lipoproteins, beta lipoproteins and total cholesterol and rise of plasma level of non-esterified fatty acids.


[Variance and discriminatory analyses for the classification of wakefulness-dependent EEG patterns]. 1. To describe 8 alertness-dependent EEG activity patterns to be observed during wakefulness with eyes closed, mean values and standard deviations of the frequencies 4, ..., 13, 14 to 17, 18 to 22 and 23 to 40 c/sec, of the percentage activity in the theta, alpha and beta bands as well as of the theta and alpha amplitudes were calculated. 2. On the basis of 18 variables significant differences between 7 activity patterns were ascertained by means of univariate and multivariate analyses of variance. 3. In the course of stepwise reduction of variables within the framework of a linear discriminatory analysis, an optimal set of variables was determined for the separation of the patterns comprising the following variables: mean value and standard deviation of the alpha amplitudes and mean value of the theta amplitudes as well as the percent quantity of the frequencies 3, ..., 7, 10, 14 to 17 and 23 to 40 c/sec. 4. By means of a linear regression analysis it was shown that the EEG scoring system can be reflected on an interval scale. In connection with results on the reliability of the methods used the results were discussed.


[Electroretinographic study on the causal relationship of the S-R effect]. In the continuation of earlier studies, further serial-stimulation experiments with prolonged duration of single stimuli were carried out on dark-adapted frogs. The results have revealed a far-going dependence of the retinal response patterns (S-R effect) on the time relations between single stimuli and stimulation intervals. From all the experimental evidence available to date it can be concluded that the demonstrated serial-stimulation effects are brought about primarily in the photorecptors. According to reports in the literature these receptors in the state of dark adaptation respond to intensive, overriding stimuli with a pronounced after-effect causing a reduction of the temporal resolution capacity and of the difference susceptibility. The suppression effect can be regarded as a consequence of this overriding reaction. On the other hand, the recovery effect is caused most probably by the suddenly occurring bright adaptation because the latter makes the after-effect disappear quickly.


[Cardiovascular reflex-reactions on the blood volume changes before and after pharmacological elimination of the efferent heart innervation]. Reflex changes in the heart frequency, blood pressure and respiratory frequency induced by slow changes of the blood volume are observed in the aesthetized European hamster (Cricetus cricetus L.). Tachycardia, hypertension and hyperpnoe occured during intravenous infusion and bradycardia, hypotension and respiratory inhibition during hemorrhages or local distensions of the junction between the superior vena cava and the right atrium. Various receptor organs of the heart and the great vessels and sympathetic as well as parasympathetic effector mechanisms were involved in the reflex effects. An activation of efferent vagal fibers decreased blood pressure and heart frequency; an excitation of efferent sympathetic fibers increased blood pressure and heart frequency.


[Modulation of the photically evoked potentials in the motor cortex of cats by influences of the somatosensory system and the reticular formation]. The influence of somatosensor stimulation and electric stimulation in the mesencephalic reticular formation upon evoked potentials (EP) of the motor cortex (MC) produced by electric stimulation of the Chiasma opticum and the Corpus geniculatum laterale, respectively, was investigated in unnarcotized, immobilized cats. By preliminary electrical stimulation of the contralateral front limb, intensity-dependent changes of the early positive component of the EP in the MC could be produced. Similar changes were found after passive movement of the limb and following electrical stimulation in the reticular formation of the mesencephalon. The EP in the MC completely disappeared after i.v. administration of 15 mg/kg Nembutal. It is concluded that the impulses reaching the MC after stimulation in the visual system can be modulated in various ways, and thus exhibit a relatively high information content. Possible mechanisms of the modulating influences and their significance are discussed.


[Effect of various amino acids and their antagonists on the cholinergic tremor and acetylcholine release in the CNS of the rat]. Glycine and GABA administered intraventricularly and intrastriatally were found to inhibit the oxotremorin tremor in rats. The two amino acids reduce both the spontaneous release of acetylcholine into the ventricle and the discharge measured under oxotremorin treatment. The inhibition of the tremor and of acetylcholine release can be blocked by amino acid antagonists (strychnine and picrotoxin), whose effects are not specific for one of these amino acids; this action can be interpreted as effect of interference with other central transmission systems. Structures located close to the ventricles (nigrostriatal path ways) are discussed as possible points of action.


Interaction between cellular metabolism and acetylcholine turnover of rat brain cortex slices in the presence of arecoline. Centrally acting cholinomimetic drugs like arecoline stimulate active ion transport processes in the synaptic region. Regarding the connection between cellular metabolism and active Na"-K+-transport the effect of arecoline on the cerebral metabolic status was proved. Arecoline decreased the level of high energic phosphates and glycogen (energy charge diminished from 0,57 to 0,48) and increased the glucose consumption and lactate production. Thus, the increased rate of CoA acetylation via oxidative breakdown of pyruvate seems to be prerequisite for the cholinergically stimulated ACh synthesis.


[Stimulation of renal excretion of p-aminohippuric acid by repeated administration of drugs in young and adult rats]. The velocity of renal excretion of p-aminohippuric acid (PAH) could be raised by repeated administration of phenol red, probenecid and penicillin, which are actively transported by the acid carrier into the urine like PAH. These drugs produced an effect in fairly lower doses than PAH. The renal excretion of PAH can be accelerated by repeated pretreatment with the lipid-soluble drugs sulfaclomide, sulfamethoxypyridazine and cyclopenthiazide. It could be demonstrated that the stimulation of renal excretion of PAH by repeated administration of the investigated compounds is less pronounced in young rats than in adult animals.


[Studies on human sera for antibodies against Clostridium butyricum strain Jean H 8]. In 235 human sera, antibodies against Clostridium butyricum strain Jena H8 could be demonstrated in 33 patients (15%); only 189 sera (80%) reacted negatively, and in 5% (13 sera) a questionable reaction was obtained. The results are discussed, pointing out the necessity of preliminary titer determination if the clostridia-tumor phenomenon is to be utilized for early diagnosis of cancer.


Histo-physiological study of hypophysectomized dogs in which the hypophysis was replaced by parotid gland. This work is an attempt to repeat and confirm the results published by Alvarez-Buylla et al., concerning to hypophysectomy and transplant in salivary gland in dogs. It was found that the survival time was longer in the hypophysectomized-transplanted animals than in those merely hypophysectomized. The 131I uptake by the thyroid of transplanted dogs was lower than by normal dogs, but higher than by the hypophysectomized ones. The histological examination of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal region in both groups of operated animals showed remnants of pars tuberalis cells. The graft of the parotid gland became vascularized exhibiting dilated tubules containing PAS positive granules. An atrophy of thyroid and adrenal glands was also observed. Primordial follicles, follicles in development and cell cords could be found in the ovary of all transplanted animals; in some dogs corpus luteum could also be observed. These results suggest that the transplanted gland in some way provides conditions for the remnant of the hypophyseal cells to perform their function.


[Racial influence on the ventilatory response to hypoxia and hypercapnia (author's transl)]. The ventilatory response  to hypoxia isocapnic test and to CO2 stimulation in normoxic conditions was measured at rest in 42 sea level subjects. They were classified according to their ancestry in four racial groups: Caucasian, Negro, Mongolian and Mestizo. There was no difference in the response of ventilation to CO2 between the groups. However the response of ventilation to hypoxia was statistically significant, lower in the Mongolian and Mestizo groups than in the Caucasian and Negro ones. All the variables measured were similar in the Mongolian and Mestizo groups. Caucasians showed the lowest resting ventilation and Negroes showed the lowest resting heart rate. Statistically, each of  these parameters was significantly different from the other groups. It is concluded that the ventilatory differences observed reflect differences in their peripheral chemoreceptor sensitivity to hypoxia, and they may explain the large variation of ventilatory responses to hypoxia found by different investigators. The similar values found in all parameters measured in the Mongolian and Mestizo groups are explained by the ancestral link between these races.


Brain and hypothalamic catecholamine turnover in relation with puberty in the female rat. Turnover of brain and hypothalamic catecholamines was determined in prepuberal, puberal and adult female rats. Turnover was evaluated by measuring the rate of disappearance of endogenous noradrenaline and dopamine after inhibition of synthesis with alpha-methyltyrosine. Rates of falling were significantly high in brains of 30 and 35 day-old-rats and low in brains of 25 and 40 day-old-rats. Hypothalamic noradrenaline decrease exhibited similar changes in relation with age. The increase of NA and DA turnover taking place before puberty was coincident with a high response in plasma luteinizing hormone induced by treatment with ovarian steroids. At the time of puberty and not directly related with the vaginal opening, both brain catecholamine turnover and LH induced response were found to decrease. The results suggest that brain adrenergic mechanisms play some role  in the onset of puberty.


Metabolism of steroids by left ovaries of Gallus domesticus during post-embryonic maturation. Homogenates of left ovaries from laying hens incubated with labeled pregnenolone or progesterone produced slightly higher amounts of estrone than of estradiol-17 beta. Progesterone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione and testosterone are probable intermediates. Left ovaries from 1-, 21- and 40-days-old chicks incubated with progesterone as substrate formed increasing amounts of androgens and estrogens. Weight per weight, ovaries from one-day-old chicks have a greater steroidogenic capability than those from adults. The comparative steroidogenesis by testes and left ovaries from Gallus domesticus during growth is also reported.


Incorporation of CDP-choline (methyl-14C) into lecithin or adult rat liver mitochondria and microsomes. Incorporation of CDP-choline (Methyl-14C) into liver microsomes and mitochondria was studied in vitro. Labelling of a total homogenate and subsequent separation of subcellular fractions showed that radioactivity was present in both microsomes and mitochondria, the highest specific activity being attained by microsomes. Chase experiments disclosed any transfer of label from one fraction to the other. Individual incubation of microsomes and mitochondria indicated that both fractions were able to incorporate label into phosphatidyl choline independently. The addition of increasing amounts of microsomes to mitochondria enhanced incorporation in proportion to the amount of microsomes added. If 10% contamination of mitochondria with microsomes is assumed, extrapolation of the curve back to zero contamination shows that mitochondria seem to have an autonomous capacity to incorporate the precursor into phosphatidyl choline.


[Acarofauna of house dust in Barcelona and surrounding cities]. The study of the house-dust acarofauna has aroused great interest since Voorhorst and colls. (41), in 1964, showed the continual presence of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in this habitat; and considered by these authors to be mainly responsible for the allergenic capacity of housedust. Studies carried out by other authors around the world confirm the universal character of this acarus and its prevailing presence in house-dust biocenosis. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is usually accompanied with other species of the same Pyroglyphidae family (see table II and III), and by species belonging to other acarian families and groups (table I). In this work 182 house-dust samples have been analyzed; these samples were collected in Barcelona and its surrounding. All have been found to be positive to acari. Samples of 5 g of house-dust were used for the study. The number of acari present in each sample showed a  great variation both in relation to the total of acari present and to the number of isolated Pyroglyphidae (table VII and VIII). Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus appeared to be the prevailing species, found in 175 of the 182 samples examined and representing 39.70% of the total population of the acari collected. Other Pyroglyphidae isolated were D. farinae (95 samples), Euroglyphus maynei (75 samples), D. microceras (19 samples), D. passericola (1 sample) and Malayoglyphus carmelitus (1 sample) (table VI). The frequency and density in which other species of acari appeared in house-dust samples studied are shown in table VII. If we compare our results with those obtained by others (1, 7, 11, 21, 23, 26, 28, 29, 38) we see a great difference according to the frequency of acarian infestation in house-dust. We think that the causes of this variation are the diverse methods and techniques employed in the isolation and enumeration of acari. The low infestation percentages given by some authors could be due to the following: a) a study of insufficient amounts of house-dust samples; b) the lack of a method used for processing the samples; c) the interaction of both factors. The discovery of three single D. passericola specimens found in one sample lets us assume that the pressence of this acarus in house-dust has been sporadic. We think it could originate from birds' feathers or nests. Despite the very high number of Tarsonemus sp. collected (37.17% of the acari total) the representative of this species is actually very low, since almost all of them were found in two different samples taken from the same house.


Idiopathic gastric abscess. A bizarre intramural lesion. A case of localized gastric abscess producing an intramural filling defect in the stomach wall is presented. This condition is an unusual manifestation of phlegmonous gastritis and usually presents clinically with a less acute picture than diffuse phlegmonous gastritis. The clinical and roentgenographic features, pathology, treatment and prognosis are reviewed.


[Influence of acari of house dust in the tiology of infantile asthma]. We have studied 61 children with a previous diagnosis of a possible allergic disease showing clear symptoms in relation to the respiratory system (rhinitis, asthma, etc.). In all cases prick tests were carried out with house-dust extracts Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D. farinae, T. putrescentiae, A. siro and A. siro + Cheyletus spp. Commercial extracts (Bencard) were used for the former two; the remainder were prepared from the pure culture of the corresponding acari. The technique followed has been described separately. From the results obtained (see Table I) the following conclusions have been reached: 1. The acari of the Dermatophagoides species particularly D. peteronyssinus) are those mainly responsible for the antigenic capacity of house-dust studied in the geographic area of Barcelona and its surroundings. 2. A similarity but no antigenic identity exists between the antigenic extracts of D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae. 3. The many positive reactions shown by many patients to the various species of acari frequently found in house-dust are due not so much to the antigenic similarity of these acari as to the multiple sensitization or special condition of the individual person. 4. The allergens proceeding from different species of the Tyroglyphidae family, possibly possess a certain antigenic relationship. 5. Finally, it can be asserted that despite the important role played by the acari of the Dermatophagoides species among the different allergenic components of house-dust, it is the remaining acarian fauna present in this dust biocenosis that also has a distinct influence.


[The activation of the complement system in various connective tissue diseases]. A knowledge of the complement system in patients with collagen diseases is of interest as it may serve to indicate the existence of activity or non-activity in these diseases. We have studied the existence or non-existence of the activity of the complement system through evaluation of the levels of C3, as well as the implicated mechanism of the classical or alternate pathways through the measure of C'4 and C'3 proactivator components. Quantitation of complement components was obtained by electroimmunodiffusion, employing specific antiserum. From the results obtained, we observed that the complement activity in patients with SLE, the classic pathway was affected more (7 patients of the 24 studied), than the alternate pathway (3 patients). However, in those patients affected by sclerodermia, there seems to be an equal incidence of the activation of complement through both pathways (2 patients with activation through each way). Also of interest is the existence of a patient with SLE and another affected by sclerodermia in which a selective  reduction of C'3 was observed. This observation suggests the possible existence of a selective destruction, perhaps mediated through a factor type such as the nephritic factor. However, there may exist other patients of whom we have already commented on, with a parallel reduction in the three components which suggests a change in the synthesis or in the simultaneous activation in both of the pathways. When realizing the comparative studies of the state in which the immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM) and complement components are to be found, the conclusion is that there is no significative correlation between the two. This is particularly interesting as it assumes the necessity of knowing the state of the complement and not only of the immunoglobulin, in order to know the state of activity in which the process is.


Mallory-Weiss syndrome--revisted.

Mallory-Weiss syndrome--revisted. Six patients (three women and three men) who had upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to Mallory-Weiss syndrome are described. Retching was the most common precipitating factor (5/6) followed by vomiting (2/6). Basic underlying causes for either retching or vomiting were probable excess alcohol consumption (3/6), side-effects of oral or parentral medication (2/6) and over-indulgence in eating after partial gastrectomy (1/6). The two most important factors leading to confirmation of the diagnosis were: 1. History of events prior to the onset of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and 2. early panendoscopy. One noted feature of the present series is the high incidence of other silent co-existing pathological lesions at the time of endoscopic examination. Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage was characterized as mild to moderate (300-500 cc.) in three patients and moderate to severe (1,000-2,000 cc.) in another three patients. All recovered under medical management and none required surgical intervention. It is becoming increasingly evident that such a benign outcome in Mallory-Weiss syndrome is more common than previously recognized.


Menetrier's disease and adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. A 74-year old woman with abdominal pain and edema was diagnosed to have Menetrier's disease on surgical full thickness gastric wall biopsy. Two months later, she complained of increasing severe abdominal pain radiating to the back, unusual in Menetrier's. Work-up showed classic Menetrier's disease with large gastric folds, achlorhydria, gastrointestinal protein loss and hypoalbuminemia. A celiac arteriogram, however, suggested a pancreatic neoplasm and adenocarcinoma of the body of the pancreas was confirmed at laparotomy. This is the first report of the concurrence of these two diseases. The difficulty of differentiating Menetrier's from occult gastrointestinal cancer is discussed.


Functional structure of the glomerular filtration barrier and the proximal tubuli in the developing foetal and neonatal pig kidney. 1. The detailed anatomy of the structures forming the glomerular filtration barrier and the proximal tubules was studied during development of foetal and neonatal pigs. 2. In the glomerular filtration barrier during ontogenetic development an increased number of fenestrae was noted in the endothelium. The condensation decreased in the glomerular basement membrane and an increase in the widths of the pedicles was observed. 3. The proximal tubular cells revealed a highly specialised organisation with an enlarged cell surface (microvilli) towards the lumen. In the apical part of the cell a zone containing vesicles probably pinched off from the base of the microvilli was observed. At the base of the cell elongated mitochondria and electron dense bodies were found. 4. An increase in the number of vesicles was observed in the proximal tubular cells from piglets receiving colostrum and exhibiting proteinuria. Judging from these results it seems probable that the nephrons are able to function already in the metanephros of the pig foetuses of 4 cm CR-length. 5. The results imply that there was no structural evidence of an immature glomerular filtration barrier being the cause of neonatal proteinuria. On the other hand an enhanced involvement of the cells of the proximal tubules was noted and this is interpreted to be due to the absorption of proteins from the primary urine after onset of colostrum ingestion by the newborn piglet.


Loss of dendritic spines in aging cerebral cortex. Previous work has shown that the dendritic spines of pyramidal neurons of the cerebral cortex are sensitive to a wide variety of environmental and surgical manipulations. The present study shows that the normal aging process also affects these spines. The spines were studied with the light microscope in Golgi preparations from rats ranging in age from 3 to 29.5 months. Visible spines were counted on either 25 or 53 mu segments of the basal dendrites, apical dendrites, oblique branches, and terminal tufts of layer V pyramidal cells in area 17. A progressive loss of spines occurred at each of these loci. The smallest observed spine loss (24%) occurred on the dendrites of the terminal tuft, and the largest (40%) on the oblique branches. Age-related spine loss appears to affect all animals, and for animals of any one age the overall loss is similar. However, the cell-to-cell variability within an individual animal is pronounced, some cells with high spine densities being present at every age examined. As a general rule, there is a positive relationship between visible spine density along the apical dendrite as it traverses layer IV and the thickness of the dendrite. With advancing age, the relatively thick  dendrites decrease in number so that the thinner dendrites make up an increasingly larger proportion of the total apical dendrite population. Questions that remain for the future include the genesis of the spine loss, its relation to other aging changes, and its functional significance for the neuron.


[Favorable course of a bilateral postoperative diaphragmatic paralysis]. Writing about a case of post-operative diaphragmatic bilateral palsy (bilateral thoracotomies for oesocoloplasty and oesophagectomy necessited by a caustic oesophagitis) on a 8 years old boy, palsy which was cured 6 months after, the authors tell about causes, prognostic and treatment of diaphragmatic palsies. In that observation, treatment consisted essentially in artificial ventilation for months and a half, and on intensive kinesitherapy.


[Effects of administering diets with starch or sucrose basis on certain parameters of calcium metabolism in the young, growing rat]. The important role of many carbohydrates on calcium metabolism has been demonstrated by FOURNIER and DUPUIS. Starch, however, neither influences the absorption nor the retention of calcium. Less is known about the effects of sucrose. In this study the influence of starch on calcium metabolsim has been compared with that of sucrose. Male weanling Wistar rats were divided into three groups according to their diets. The first group received a refined and well-balanced diet (except for the absence of vitamin D), containing 68 p. 100 of starch. The second group received the same diet except sucrose was substituted for the starch. The third group received the same diet as Group 1, with the addition of vitamin D. Plasma calcium citrate and urinary citrate and calcium were determined. At the age of 2 months after one night of fasting, each group of rats was injected intraperitoneally with a 1 ml, aqueous solution containing 1 mg calcium and 0, 6 mu Ci45Ca. Twenty-four hours later the animals were sacrificed and the calcium femur percentage, radioactivity p. 1,000 of the injected dose of 45Ca, and specific radioactivity were determined. When performance data from Group 3 were compared to Group 1 and Group 2, the following results were obtained: --Group 1 (starch diet without vitamin D) had very low plasma calcium levels; urinary calcium, plasma citrate and urinary citrate levels were lowered, and the calcium femur percentage was smaller. Bone avidity for calcium was found. --Group 2 (sucrose diet without vitamin D) had normal plasma calcium levels. Urinary calcium and citrate and plasma citrate did not show significant differences from those of animals receiving vitamin D. No significant differences were found in the specific radioactivity and radioactivity p. 1,000 of the administered dose. Contrary to starch, sucrose maintained calcium homeostasis, and apparently, normal ossification, although the femur was lighter than those of animals receiving vitamin D. Further work is necessary to determine whether the fructose component of the sucrose molecule is responsible for the increased calcium utilization and, if so, what levels of ingestion are necessary for this activity.


[Comparative study of the effect of free and combined glucose and fructose on the absorption and retention of calcium]. Many carbohydrates play an important role in the process of absorption of several inorganic compounds, particularly of calcium, as shown by FOURNIER. VAUGHAN and FILER have proved that all carbohydrates are equally active under particular conditions: the difference of their action on calcium absorption is related to their absorption speed rate. Fructose appears in an intermediate situation between rapidly and slowly absorbed oses according to Cori's classification based on rates of absorption. In order to examine more closely the extent of differences of carbohydrates on calcium absorption, we chose to compare the action of free and combined fructose with that of carbohydrates found in normal feeding. Six months old rats in a state of calcium equilibrium received orally 2 ml aquous mixture containing 0,01 mM/ml calcium supplemented by 0,12 mu Ci 45 Ca and 0,075 mM/ml carbohydrate. The rats were divided into groups according to the carbohydrate they received, which was one of the following: D-glucose, D-mannose, D-fructose, L-sorbose, maltose, lactose, sucrose, starch, glycogen or inulin. Both absorption and retention of calcium were observed. A coefficient of absorption of 45Ca and the specific radioactivity of bone were established by the measurements of radioactivity of blood samples, which were taken 1 1/2 hour, 3 hours and 24 hours after ingestion, of intestinal content and feces, and of a femur after nitroperchloric mineralization. The results showed that values of absorption coefficient and of specific radioactivity are high for slowly absorbed sugars (mannose, sorbose, lactose) but are very low for free glucose or for glucose easily released by intestine enzymatic activity. Free fructose possesses in intermediate activity equivalent to that of inulin. However, sucrose administered at the same concentration has little effect on calcium absorption.


[Imbalance through lysine excess and correction by a threonine supplement, as a function of nutritional status]. Influence of lysine excess, with or without threonine supplementation, on body weight repletion after fasting, liver composition and liver, plasma and muscle free aminoacids, was studied on male adult rats (200g). Animals received either a mixed diet ad libitum (8 p. 100 protein) containing 1.05 p. 100 lysine, or a protein meal (1.1 g protein) supplying 145 mg of lysine per day given at 09.00 hour with free access to a protein-free diet for the rest of the day (separate feeding). The results show: --in animals fed a mixed diet, some effects of lysine excess are observed only on the free aminoacids, and muscular "RNA/DNA" ratio, but with a small amplitude; --in separate feeding, lysine excess has a negative effect upon body weight gain, hepatic and muscular "protein/DNA" and "RNA/DNA" ratios and the liver, plasma and muscle free aminoacids; --a supplement of threonine completely alleviates the effects of lysine excess, as well in mixed feeding as in separate feeding; --the best indicators of the aminoacid balance are the muscle "RNA/DNA" ratio and the liver, plasma and muscle free aminoacids; --separate feeding is a more sensitive method than mixed feeding for studying excess lysine unbalance, since such unbalance is obtained with a low level of lysine intake.