Diagnosis of small bowel obstruction: the contribution of diagnostic ultrasound. The hallmark of intestinal obstruction, whether due to a mechanical cause or to absence of peristalsis, is the intraluminal accumulation of fluid. The presence of air simply makes it easier to visualize dilated fluid-filled loops of plain radiographs. When gas is absent, secondary to vomiting or to cessation of air swallowing, the fluid-filled loops may be difficult to identify. In closed loop obstruction, air cannot enter the involved bowel, and in this situation sonography may provide important information concerning the status of the intestinal tract. In nonstrangulating obstruction, sonography offers confirmatory evidence of dilated fluid-filled loops of bowel. In some instances, ultrasonography may correctly identify the gastrointestinal tract origin of a problem thus enabling appropriate management of the patient. We describe three patients in whom ultrasound enabled prompt diagnosis of fluid-filled loops.


Acoustic contrast enhancement: value of several system gain variations in gray scale ultrasonography. Because of the broad spectrum of echogenicity inherent in the heterogeneous composition of the abdominal viscera, system gain variations may be useful in gray scale ultrasound imaging to improve lesion definition. In general, Anechoic or hypoechoic processes may be accentuated by scanning in the higher gain ranges, while hyperechoic lesions may be better delineated at lower gain levels. Thus adjustments in "acoustic contrast" may supplement and reinforce information derived from an initial standard medium gain scan. Although the liver serves as a model in this report, careful selection of a variety of system gain levels can be helpful in evaluating focal lesions in any organ.


CT findings in retinoblastoma.

CT findings in retinoblastoma. Computed tomographic (CT) findings in 38 patients with surgically proven retinoblastomas are described. CT is of value in accurately and rapidly assessing the extraocular and intracranial spread of clinically diagnosed retinoblastomas. This information is of prognostic value as patients with tumors that have spread beyond the confines of the globe have a life expectancy of only a few months. Calcification was present in 11 of 23 tumors confined to the globe, but was seen in only two of 15 tumors that had extended beyond the globe. Therefore, the presence of calcification may be a favorable prognostic sign.


Osteogenic sarcoma after retinoblastoma radiotherapy. Development of osteogenic sarcoma after retinoblastoma radiotherapy in three patients, two of whom were siblings, is reported. Pluridirectional tomography and plain skull radiography demonstrated soft tissue masses, sinus opacification, and bone destruction and sclerosis in all three patients. Computed tomography reliably indicated the presence or absence of intracranial tumor extension in the two patients in whom it was performed. Radionuclide bone scanning was a useful adjunct for osteosarcomatous detection.


Radiographic evaluation of the spine after surgical correction of scoliosis. Scoliosis is frequently a progressive deformity despite the best efforts at external bracing and various exercises. In childhood, scoliosis is usually insidious and is rarely symptomatic. In later years, however, scoliosis leads to cardiopulmonary compromise, neurologic dysfunction, degenerative joint disease, and cosmetic deformities. Therefore, surgical correction is indicated in selected patients. Internal fixation with spinal fusion is more effective than fusion alone. Postoperative radiographs must be examined closely for general as well as orthopedic complications. Loss of correction and failure of hardware are signs of pseudarthrosis. Radiographic follow-up evaluation should include two views whenever possible.


Single, well centered lateral view of lumbosacral spine: is coned view necessary? A single lateral view, centered 1 cm above the top of the palpable iliac crest, has been shown to adequately demonstrate the entire lumbar spine and lumbosacral junction in over 90% of patients, thereby eliminating the necessity to obtain both a full lateral and coned lateral view of the lumbosacral junction. Eliminating this extra film from the routine lumbosacral examination results in enormous savings in patient cost and patient radiation exposure, without sacrificing any diagnostic accuracy.


Myelographic evaluation of nontraumatic spinal canal obstruction: a new approach. A new technique simplifies the evaluation of the spinal canal above obstructing lesions encountered during myelography via the lumbar route. After the demonstration of a block with 2--4 ml Pantopaque, a second injection of 2--4 ml Pantopaque is made through the lumbar needle with the patient in 45 degree Trendelenberg (or any degree necessary to keep the initial contast bolus against the inferior margin of the obstruction). In all 10 cases in this series, the second injection easily displaced contrast around and above obstructions that could not be overcome by gravity thereby obviating a lateral cervical or cisternal puncture. No technical failures of complications were encountered. The method is not recommended in cases of traumatic spinal canal obstruction.


Lung metastases in cervical and endometrial carcinoma. Carcinoma of the cervix or endometrium was evaluated in 1,021 patients at the Joint Center for Radiation Therapy, Boston, between July 1968 and December 1977. The patients were retrospectively evaluated for the presence of lung metastases, appearing initially or during their disease course. On chest radiography, 42 patients were found to have metastases. Lung metastases were seen in 5.1% of patients with carcinoma of the cervix and in 3.6% of patients with carcinoma of the endometrium. Median time from initial disease staging to detection of lung metastases was 12 months. Once pulmonary spread was discovered, 80% of patients expired within 1 year. Lung nodules varied greatly in size. In 11 patients they were solitary; five patients had pleural effusions; three had mediastinal or hilar adenopathy; and none had excavation.


Abnormal left hilar height ratio.

Abnormal left hilar height ratio. This investigation establishes the usefulness of the hilar height ratio concept and reviews those disease processes that may become manifest by an abnormal left hilar height ratio. In the absence of lower lobe volume loss and extrapulmonary disease, an abnormal left hilar height ratio may reflect upper lobe emphysema.


Neuronal-vascular relationships in the raphe nuclei, locus coeruleus, and substantia nigra in primates. A fluorescence histochemical and electron microscopic study of the monoaminergic cell groups in the squirrel monkey and Rhesus monkey brains has revealed the direct apposition of blood vessels to perikarya and dendrites of monoaminergic neurons. Capillaries and small arterioles or venules, ranging from 8-50 microns in diameter, showed perikarya and dendrites abutting the basement membrane without evidence of glial interposition. This neuronal-vascular relationship was present in 20% to 30% of the small vessels in the serotonergic nuclei raphe dorsalis and centralis superior and in the noradrenergic locus coeruleus. Such contacts were clearly present but observed less frequently in the dopaminergic substantia nigra pars compacta and in the serotonergic nuclei raphe obscurus, pallidus, magnus, and pontis. We postulate that monoamine-containing neurons apposed to blood vessels in certain regions of the brain may be influenced directly by hormones or other substances in blood.


Long-term acceptance of low-lactose milk. Low-lactose milk was produced by incubating cow's milk with yeast lactase. Sixteen lactose tolerant and 15 intolerant volunteers ingested 500 ml of the product twice daily for 1 month. During the testing period all subjects received on three occasions the same volume of unmodified milk in double-blind tests. Symptoms recorded throughout the study and for an additional 15 day base-line observation period were: diarrhea, abdominal pain and distention, flatulence, heartburn, and headache. Low-lactose milk acceptance was excellent. No significant differences were found between tolerants and intolerants during the base-line period and while ingesting low-lactose milk. By contrast, unmodified milk induced severe symptoms only in the intolerants. Availability of low-lactose milk and of its by-products allows consumption of greater volumes of this highly nutritious food by subjects with lactose intolerance with none or less symptoms compared to unmodified milk.


Alteration in bone marrow RNA of vitamin E-deficient monkey, Macaca fascicularis. In anemic crab-eating monkeys, Macaca fascicularis, there is an alteration in the bone marrow RNA species resulting from early vitamin E deficiency, when compared with those from normal simian bone marrow or from phenylhydrazine-induced anemic bone marrow of rabbit. Anemia of vitamin E deficiency is specifically associated with a reduction in the ribosomal RNA content.


A Pseudomonas pyocin typing method applicable to the clinical laboratory. A new pyocin typing method for the identification of specific strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is described. The method involves a bilayer agar technique in which the pyocin produced by the organism diffuses from the top agar layer number 2 through a filter paper into the bottom agar layer number 1. The filter paper permits the removal of agar layer number 2 and exposes layer number 1 which is then streaked with the indicator strains. Pyocin typing of fifty clinical isolates using both the bi-layer method and the scrap-chloroform reference method of Gillies and Govan produced identical typing results. A total of 375 clinical isolates has been typed by this inexpensive and time-saving bi-layer agar method.


Interference of intravenous lipid emulsion with the determination of calcium in serum. A lipid emulsion in concentrations similar to those attained after therapeutic dosages were found to interfere with the determination of total serum calcium measured by a fluorometric method. Calcium results determined by atomic absorption and by fluorometry at different concentrations of lipid emulsion were compared. When lipid concentrations were less than 100 mg/dl, centrifugation was effective in eliminating the artifactural elevation in total serum calcium. Possible reasons for the observed differences are discussed.


Evaluation of early airway disease in smokers: cost effectiveness of pulmonary function testing. We studied 73 young adults who were presently cigarette smokers to evaluate whether the identification of abnormalities in pulmonary function tests had a detectable influence on modification of smoking habits. Utilizing rate schedules for these tests presently applicable in Rochester, New York, we determined the potential cost to these subjects and community relative to the number of subjects who stopped smoking as a result of test findings. Subjects were evaluated by questionnaire and function testing including spirometry, flow-volume curves, body plethysmography and single breath nitrogen washout test (SBN2). Functional abnormalities were present in 75% of subjects screened. The SBN2 test was most sensitive, identifying 97% of subjects with any abnormality. The presence of common respiratory symptoms was found to be highly predictive of test abnormalities. Subjects were informed of results and counseled. At six-month follow-up, 7% of subjects with abnormal test results had stopped smoking. Utilizing even our most cost-effective test, the SBN2, it would cost +1,392 for each "benefit" defined as one subject not smoking for six months. Application of these screening techniques is unlikely to be effective in altering smoking habits in the absence of continued physician support.


Brief clinical reports: aprosencephaly-atelencephaly and the aprosencephaly (XK) syndrome. We report on a postnatally dead, postterm male infant with aprosencephaly and the oculofacial manifestations usually seen in the most severe form of alobar holoprosencephaly -- namely cyclopia and absence of derivatives of the frontonasal process; in addition the infant had the radius aplasia field defect bilaterally, a high VSD, mobile cecum, and penile hypospadias with cryptorchidism. The same syndrome was reported recently by Garcia and Duncan [2]; however, in that case the brain defect was designated "atelencephaly." Since atelencephaly is a less severe form of aprosencephaly we chose to designate the condition in these two patients as "the aprosencephaly (XK) syndrome." Atelencephaly and aprosencephaly may occur also as a single and sporadic malformation. The cause of the aprosencephaly (XK) syndrome is unknown.


Serotonin metabolism and platelet monoamine oxidase activity in patients with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid and pheochromocytoma. Occasional patients with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type II [MEN II]) are reported to have excessive serotonin (5-HT) production from the MCT; almost all patients with metastatic MCT have elevations in plasma concentration of the amine oxidase, histaminase. The elevated 5-HT production is thought ot contribute to the troublesome diarrhea experienced by patients with MEN II. We compared the urinary excretion of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), the principle metabolite of 5-HT, of 33 patients with MCT with the urinary excretion of 5-HIAA in 33 control subjects. Six of the 33 MCT patients (18%) had severe diarrhea. The 5-HIAA excretion of the MCT patients did not differ from that of normal subjects. We also compared the platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity of 27 MCT patients and 27 control subjects. The platelet MAO activity of the two groups did not differ. The 5-HT content and MAO activity of 6 of the MCTs was similar to normal thyroid tissue. The MAO activity of two follicular adenomas of the thyroid was greater than the MAO activity of MCTs. In contrast to the uniform elevation of plasma histaminase in patients with MCT, the platelet MAO activity is not altered and the majority of MCTs do not produce excessive amounts of 5-HT.


New long-acting injectable microcapsule contraceptive system. A new long-acting, injectable contraceptive which provides continuous controlled release of the steroid norethisterone (NET) for a precise period of 6 months following a single intramuscular injection is described. The prototype system consists of microcapsules made of the biodegradable polymer d, l-polylactic acid, in which micronized crystals of NET are homogeneously dispersed. NET is slowly released from the microcapsules following intramuscular injection at a rate of 0.90 microgram NET/day/mg of microcapsule by diffusion of the steroid from the polymer matrix. Three different doses of a standard preparation of microcapsules were tested in normally cycling female babbons (4 to 5 baboons/group). Following injection of either 300, 200, or 100 mg of microcapsules containing 75, 50, or 25 mg of NET, blood samples were collected at selected intervals and analyzed for NET, estrogen, and progesterone by radioimmunoassay. All three doses provided continuous NET release for 6 months following injection. The NET serum profiles for the different doses are parallel, and ovulation was inhibited in all baboons for 6 months following treatment.


Clinical effects of orally administered extracts of Montanoa tomentosa in early human pregnancy. Freshly prepared aqueous decocts of the Mexican plant Montanoa tomentosa (Zoapatle) were administered orally to six women in the early stages of pregnancy for two days prior to the interruption of gestation by vacuum aspiration. The daily dose administered varied between 1.0 and 1.4 gm-equivalent of dry leaves per kilogram of body weight. A comparable control group of six pregnant women received the same volume of commercial tea according to the same schedule before vacuum aspiration. Administration of Zoapatle extracts resulted in a menstrual-like cramp and a significant dilatation of the cervix in all subjects studied. In four of the six subjects the menstrual-like pains were associated with bleeding. No comparable effects were observed in the control group. Peroral administration of Zoapatle decocts did not produce any cardiovascular changes, and it did not influence the hematologic status, liver, kidney, and thyroid function, blood lipids, proteins, and electrolyte status. Under the experimental conditions used, Zoapatle extracts did not induce a luteolytic effect judged from the plasma progesterone (and estradiol) levels. It is concluded that peroral administration of freshly prepared decocts of Zoapatle in early pregnancy exerts a distinct uterotonic effect and induces cervical dilatation and uterine bleeding. These changes are not associated with any effect on the plasma levels of progesterone and estradiol or with any untoward side effects.


Detection of IgG candida antibodies by solid-phase radioimmunoassay and comparison with agar-gel diffusion. Comparison of solid-phase radioimmunoassay (S-PRIA) and agar-gel diffusion for detecting antibodies to candida organisms was undertaken in patients with systemic candidiasis, candida colonization, noncandida febrile illnesses, and in healthy controls. Radioimmunoassay results were highly reproducible when the same sera were tested on three different days. Sera from all three groups of patients had higher counts per minute (CPM) by S-PRIA then sera from control subjects. Although positive precipitins and high CPM occurred frequently in patients with systemic candidiasis, both precipitins and high CPM were detected in some sera from patients with colonization without system disease.


Vitreoretinal degeneration as a sign of generalized connective tissue diseases. Dominant vitreoretinal degeneration was first described by Wagner as a benign ocular condition. This term has since become widely associated with a familial retinal degenerative process accompanied by retinal detachments, even though nobody in the family described by Wagner suffered from a retinal detachment. Vitreoretinal degeneration, often progressing to detachments, occurs also in several distinct bone dysplasias. I have provided a classification of syndromes with vitreoretinal degeneration and its signficance as a sign of connective tissue diseases (probably involving type II collagen). In this sense, it is similar to ectopia lentis as a sign of various connective tissue diseases.


Angle-closure glaucoma in nanophthalmos. Two patients had nanophthalmos with uveal effusion and angle-closure glaucoma. They were treated with a method based on the use of the laser, not only to perform iridotomy but to shrink the iris stroma, which appears to open the anterior chamber angle even without iridotomy. Additionally, we introduced three factors that may be diagnostic of nanophthalmos.


Ocular findings in anencephaly.

Ocular findings in anencephaly. We found an upper eyelid notch and posterior pole lens in a newborn anencephalic infant. An analysis of the development of the affected tissues helped localize the insult at the fifth to tenth week of gestation, probably close to the fifth week.


A craniometric study of the black and white Colobus Illiger 1811 (Primates: Ceropithecoidea). This study examines the craniometry of Black and White Colobus monkeys using 1072 specimens representing all the recognized subspecies (after Rahm, '70) of the genus. Seventy-six measurements were taken on each individual, and examined using canonical variates analysis and clustering by Ward's Error Sum method. The assumptions of the analytical techniques are shown to be met, and the results demonstrated to be stable. Examination of the populations for statistical difference and taxonomic distinctiveness using a multivariate extension of Mayr's Rule indicates that the taxonomy presented by Rahm ('70) is essentially correct, except that the subspecies of guereza across the northern part of Central Africa should be lumped into a single group--C. g. occidentalis--and the subspecies of montane angolan colobus in Eastern Zaire should all be lumped into C. a. ruwenzorii. The systematic patterns of the genus illustrate the whole range of the process of speciation, from barely distinct subspecies, to subspecies almost as distinct as allopatric species of the genus, and on the fully sympatric species Three major zoogeographic areas may be delineated: an East African area dominated by the effects of the Rift Valley, with a large number of subspecies isolated in forest islands; a Central African area with little subspeciation and sympatric overlap of the major species of Colobus; and a West African area with a clinal pattern of distribution of subspecies, and secondary intergradation. The arbitrary nature of Mary's Rule is also apparent. Lastly, the CVA indicated major differences across the genus to be located in the teeth and jaws, suggesting diet might be an important distinguishing feature in Colobus.


Patterns of variability in mineralization of the primate femoral diaphysis. The purpose of this research was to study intra- and interspecific variability in mineral density in the femoral diaphysis of nonhuman primates. Four hundred five sections were taken from five sites along the femoral diaphysis of 34 macaques (Macaca sp.), 24 squirrel monkeys (Saimirisciureus), and 23 tamarins (Saguinus labiatus). The mineral density at eight positions around each section was measured. Analysis of variance indicated significant (p less than 0.05) interactions among species, sex, cross sectional levels, and positions within each level. Both Macaca and S. sciureus showed sexually dimorphic patterns of mineral distribution. S. labiatus exhibited no sexual dimorphism in distribution, but was sexually dimorphic in density magnitude. No significant dimensional differences in density were found among species, though significant differences in pattern were evident. Highly significant differences (p less than 0.01) were found among cross sectional levels and among positions within the levels within each species.


Coherent optical correlation: a new method of cranial comparison. In this paper an analog method known as coherent optical correlation is used to compare photographs of cercopithecine monkey skulls. Each comparison yields a measure of overall similarity in three-dimensional shape because the photographs are coded to preserve depth information. The coding system involves projecting an array of circular dots onto each specimen with an ordinary 35-mm slide projector. Photographs of the array taken from one side of the projector make ideal inputs for optical correlation analysis. Preliminary results indicate a reasonable ability to discriminate between different cercopithecine monkey skulls. This finding encourages further development of the proposed method as a shape investigation tool. Possibilities for application exist in many skeletal and somatological problems of form.


Continuous psychotherapy within an HMO.

Continuous psychotherapy within an HMO. The authors describe the long-term psychotherapy program developed by the Harvard Community Health Plan, focusing on its planning, implementation, and monitoring. The inclusion of coverage for chronic conditions in an HMO practice led to the development of a range of extended treatment services, exploratory as well as supportive, and to the enhancement of short-term methods. The control of utilization and cost is effected through the willingness of the provider group to adapt treatment methods to patient needs, rather than through the benefit structure. With the broad range of treatment methods available in this plan, only 1%-2% of patients require long-term continuous psychotherapy.


Studies on the 2,4-diamino-6 substituted quinazolines. I. Antimalarial activities of 2,4-diamino-6-[(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-nitrosoamino]-quinazoline (CI-679) as exhibited in rhesus monkeys infected with the Ro or Ro/PM strains of Plasmodium cynomolgi. This report summarizes the results of appraisals of various activities of CI-679 (a 2,4-diamino-6-amino-substituted quinazoline) in rhesus monkeys infected with the Ro and Ro/PM strains of Plasmodium cynomolgi. In subjects inoculated with sporozoites, CI-679, administered in appropriate schedules in doses up to and including the maximum tolerated level, neither prevented development of infections with these strains nor cured those already established. Although these evaluations showed that CI-679 was devoid of activity against both early and late tissue schizonts, they indicated that this compound had significant blood schizonticidal activity and suggested that such activity was much greater in infections with the Ro strain than in those with the Ro/PM strain. This latter suggestion, contrary to results of earlier experiments in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei, led to studies of the activities of CI-679 in trophozoite-induced infections. These showed that the total course dose of CI-679 required for cure of previously untreated infections with the Ro/PM strain was tenfold that required for cure of comparable infections with the Ro strain. They also showed that infections with either strain, treated previously with subcurative doses, were often not cured by doses of CI-679 that eradicated previously untreated infections regularly. Subsequent studies showed that emergency of parasites resistant to CI-679 was responsible for these retreatment failures and that this resistance was retained through mosquito transfer.


Studies on the 2,4-diamino-6-substituted quinazolines. II. Activities of selected derivatives against infections with various drug-susceptible and drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in owl monkeys. Four 6-thio-, one 6-sulfinyl-, and two 6-sulfonyl-substituted 2,4-diaminoquinazolines were evaluated for capacities to cure established infections with the chloroquine-resistant Vietnam Oak Knoll and pyrimethamine-resistant Malayan Camp-CH/Q strains of Plasmodium falciparum in owl monkeys. As compared with the doses of standard drugs required for cure of infections with drug-susceptible strains or doses of the newly developed aminoalcohols required for cure of either drug-susceptible or drug-resistant strains, each of these quinazolines effected cure of infections with the Oak Knoll strain at a remarkably small daily dose. However, doses required for cure of infections with the Camp-CH/O strain were from 4-48 times those required for cure of infections with the Oak Knoll strain, suggesting that the activities of these quizanolines, like those of 6-amino-substituted derivatives, were compromised by pyrimethamine resistance. This suggestion received support from expanded studies involving WR-158,122 and WR-159,412, the most active of the agents examined, and the multidrug-resistant Vietnam Smith strain of P. falciparum and Vietnam Palo Alto strain of P. vivax, as well as the Oak Knoll and Camp-CH/Q strains. These studies also showed that significant fractions of infections with the Oak Knoll, Camp-CH/Q, and Palo Alto strains treated previously with subcurative doses of the above derivatives failed to respond to doses that regularly cured previously untreated infections. These treatment failures proved to be due to emergence of parasites resistant to the quinazolines.


Studies on the 2,4-diamino-6-substituted quinazolines. III. The capacity of sulfadiazine to enhance the activities of WR-158,122 and WR-159,412 against infections with various drug-susceptible and drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in owl monkeys. Previous studies showed: 1) that the activities of the 2,4-diamino-6-substituted quinazolines. WR-158,122 and WR-159,412, against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections in owl monkeys, were seriously impaired when infecting strains were pyrimethamine-resistant; and 2) that primary treatment failure with either agent led frequently to emergence of parasites resistant to these derivatives. Taking advantage of the potencies of WR-158,122 and WR-159,412 as dihydrofolic acid reductase inhibitors, the current studies were aimed at determining whether the above liabilities could be reduced to manageable levels or eliminated by concomitant administration of a rho-aminobenzoic acid inhibitor such as sulfadiazine. Application of these combinations prevented emergence of parasites resistant to WR-158,122 or WR-159,412, but did not abolish the differences in effectiveness of either compound against infections with pyrimethamine-susceptible and pyrimethamine-resistant strains; however, activities against infections with either susceptible or resistant strains were enhanced markedly. With WR-158,122, this enhancement ranged from greater than 7-fold to 75-fold; with WR-159,412, it ranged from greater than 5-fold to 13-fold. Maximal increases in activity were attained with a remarkedly small dose of sulfadiazine, 5.0 mg per kg of body weight daily. With this augmentation of activity, acceptably small doses of WR-158,122 regularly cured infections with even the most highly pyrimethamine-resistant strain.


Sarcocystis in man: a review and report of five cases. Sarcocystis was identified in biopsy specimens of skeletal muscle from two adults in Singapore and one in Bombay, and in muscle obtained at autopsy from an adult in Uganda, and in the heart of a child in Costa Rica. Review of case reports revealed that in seven reported cases, including three reported by Lindemann, non-parasite objects were misinterpreted as sarcocysts; in four instances organisms of undetermined classification were described, and in 35 cases true sarcocysts were observed. Among the sarcocysts seen in the 40 cases (35 old, 5 new), seven morphological types were recognized, each representing one to several different species, all of which are zoonotic and none of which can be designated Sarcocystis lindemanni. Among the four types of sarcocysts found in skeletal muscle, three closely resembled a corresponding species found commonly in monkeys: one from a man in Uganda corresponding to a species in Ceropithicus talapoin, forms from India resembling one or two species in Macaca mulatta, and forms from Southeast Asia resembling a species in Macaca fascicularis. Among three types of sarcocysts found in the human heart, one resembled a species commonly seen in the heart of cattle. Of the 40 Sarcocystis infections in man, 13 probably were acquired in Southeast Asia, 8 in India, 5 in Central or South America, 4 each in Africa and Europe, 3 in USA, 1 IN China and 2 in unknown localities. Associated conditions include muscle soreness or weakness in 7 cases, subcutaneous swellings in 5, eosinophilia in 2, and periarteritis or polyarteritis nodosa in 2 cases. However, evidence of pathogenicity of the mature sarcocyst is inconclusive.


Craniocervical chordomas.

Craniocervical chordomas. In a 20 year period seven cases of craniocervical chordoma were seen and treated. Since it is not possible to completely resect these lesions, the aim of treatment has been to debulk the tumor as much as feasible and employ postoperative irridation. Palliation is the most that can be hoped for, and minimal success in delaying the natural history of the tumor has been achieved. Surgery for relief of symptoms secondary to bulky recurrence is indicated for palliation, as is a repeat course of x-ray therapy. Isolated cases of long-term useful survival have followed doses in the range of 10,000 rads or more [19,20]. This therapy is usually given in smaller increments of an initial dose when there is evidence of recurrent tumor or pain [2]. However, whenever the dosage to the spinal cord or the base of the brain exceeds 4,000 rads, there is a concern about possible permanent radiation damage. These patients are difficult to care for late in the course of their disease when multiple cranial nerve paralysis, long tract signs, and intractable pain become progressively severe. Chordomas usually remain localized; however, about 10% metastasize distally. One case is presented of a large retropharyngeal mass with destruction of the second cervical vertebra that recurred locally in 3 months despite usual treatment; distal bony metastases were found 3 years after initial treatment. The histology of the lesion, its recurrence, and distal bony metastases were essentially indistinguishable from the other lesions that remained localized. Short periods of palliation from severe local pain and exquisite tenderness have been achieved by local resection of the involved bones.


Radiation therapy for malignant melanoma of the head and neck. Thirty-one patients with melanoma of the head and neck received split-course radiation therapy (5,000 to 6,000 rads/30 fractions) for loco-regional disease. There was no difference in survival in patients with gross tumors versus patients with no clinical evidence of disease at the start of radiation therapy. The prognosis was notably worse in patients with recurrence in the irradiated field.


The cost of antituberculous drug regimens. The relative costs of several highly effective short-course regimens have been compared for a developing and a developed country both for 1976 and 1978, with particular reference to the proportion of the total cost due to individual drugs. A convenient method of calculating costs for any individual country is provided. Of isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampin, the 3 most important drugs in short-course chemotherapy, the cost and duration of the latter two have a major effect on the total cost. A decrease in the duration of a regimen from 9 to 6 months may decrease therapeutic effectiveness by as little as 5% or as much as 20%; the decrease in cost is often not proportional, because it depends on the drugs used in the continuation phase. The duration of pyrazinamide therapy has a considerable influence on cost, but the benefit of giving it beyond 2 months now needs to be re-evaluated. Factors that influence the choice of regimens are discussed. The importance of quality of the drugs, including purity and bioavailability, is stressed.


Mucociliary transference rate and mucus viscoelasticity dependence on dynamic storage and loss modulus. Various samples of estrous bovine cervical mucus were collected, and their dynamic viscoelastic properties were determined at between 2.7 and 4.4 rad/s. Comparing the loss modulus with the rigidity (storage) modulus for the samples taken, the former was found to increase markedly as the latter increased. Limited exposure of mucus to increased temperatures removed crosslinks, whereas treatment with glutaraldehyde introduced additional ones. In the case of one sample, the number of crosslinks was altered in this way. As the number of crosslinks decreased or increased, the storage modulus decreased or increased, but the loss modulus remained relatively unaffected. The transference (ability to move particle loads) of native and modified samples on the ciliated epithelium of a frog palate depleted of mucus was determined. All data for transference rate correlated against changes in the storage modulus. The rate was maximal for a storage modulus of 1.6 dynes.cm-2 and decreased rather sharply to either side of this value. No such correlation could be found against the loss modulus. In fact, whereas very different values of the loss modulus corresponded to the same storage modulus, the transference rate was the same. Hence, the storage rather than the loss modulus determines transference rate.


[Clinical use of nitroglycerin as an hypotensive agent during general anesthesia (author's transl)]. Nitroglycerine has a direct vasodilating action on both venous and arterial smooth muscle fibers. On account of this, it has been used as hypotensive agent, in aqueous solution, on 22 surgical patients, 10 of them in neurosurgery. The total doses used were 0.76 +/- 0.12 mg/kg during 94 +/- 30 minutes (rate = 8.1 microgram/kg/min). Nitroglycerine induces a rapid onset of hypotension (3 to 4 min), spontaneously reversible in 27 +/- 8 minutes after the arrest of the infusion. The mean drop in mean arterial blood pressure achieved has been 34 p. cent. It is accompanied by a 67 +/- 9 p. cent fall of filling pressures and a fall 13 +/- 4 p. cent of cardiac index, without modification of the heart rate. Tachyphylaxis was noted 15 +/- 6 minutes following nitroglycerine infusion at rate lower than 2 microgram/kg/min, but not when the rate was above 10 microgram/kg/min. Therefore, if the drug is used to achieve controlled hypotension, high doses are necessary. No signs of toxicity were noted. In 4 cases, other hypotensive agents had been used to bring the mean arterial blood pressure below 50 Torr, which could not be achieved with nitroglycerine alone.


[Polychlorinated diphenyls (PCB) : industrial hygiene and environmental toxicology]. The industrialized countries have been producing, every year from 1929, thousands of tons of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). Although it was known from that period the toxic activity of PCB (chlorancne), only from 1966 their presence and persistence in the environment has been detected and their mechanism of bioconcentration studied. Systematic researches to evaluate the mechanism of their toxicity, expecially for long period, have been carried out. The Italian environmental contamination of PCB is quite well defined, but only recently in Italy we have been specifically studying the industrial environment and the professionally exposed workers, to evaluate the exposure levels of PCB, the long term health effects and the possible preventive measures. In particular we are carrying out a research program in a transformer plant in the Roma area in which PCB are used as dielectrics. The methodological approach and the initial results are described.


[Risk hypothesis in the use of "non-carbon copy paper"]. Some kinds of "carbon less copy-paper" presently used in Italy were examined. The analysis showed the presence on the paper of mycrocapsules containing special inks formed by organic dyes dissolved in mineral oil and, sometimes, polychlorobyfenils. Therefore there is a possible risk for the workers using carbon less copy-paper. It is necessary therefore to complete the research in order to demonstrate this hypothesis also from biological point of view.


[A case of idiopathic disseminated pulmonary ossification (author's transl)]. A patient aged 92 years was discovered to have disseminated pulmonary ossification of the interstitial tissues without any valvular cardiopathy. The authors underline the rarety of such ectopic ossifications and review their radiological, anatomical, and etiological characteristics as reported in the published literature.


[TRH response in 53 patients with chronic alcoholism (author's transl)]. A study of thyroid function was undertaken in 53 patients with chronic alcoholism the following tests were performed: T3 RIA, T4 RIA, T3 test and I.V. TRH-test. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the degree of liver injury: histologically documented fibrosteatosis (group 1), cirrhosis (group 2); group 3 consisted of severe cirrhosis with coagulation defects precluding liver biopsy. 32 healthy subjects served as controls. Free thyroxine index was normal in the 3 groups of patients; on the contrary, serum T3 RIA was significantly reduced in the 2nd and the 3rd group. The decrease of T3 correlated with the degree of hepatocellular failure. TRH test was almost always normal. If patients are separated into two groups according to their circulating T3 levels, it appears that subjects with low T3 show a TRH-induced increase in TSH lower than in the other group, but not significantly different from normal subjects, suggesting an inadequate hypothalamic reactivity.


Effect of antibiotics on mucoid strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A study of the susceptibility to 18 antibiotics has been performed on 47 mucoid strains comparatively to 71 fried-egg strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The minimal inhibitory concentration was determinated by agar dilution method. On the whole, the mucoid strains were more sensitive to antibiotics than the fried-egg strains. The more effective antibiotics were carbenicillins, aminosids, colistin and tetracyclines. However, this drug susceptibility of mucoid strains were heterogeneous. The results of a statistical analysis demonstrated that the strains of P. aeruginosa were distributed into two classes: a first class clustered very sensitive strains to most antibiotics and a second class clustered more resistant strains. The mucoid strains were included almost equally into the two classes (respectively 45% and 55%). The fried-egg strains were more homogeneous, since 89% of these strains were in the resistant class. The antibiotics which distinguished the best between the two classes were: tobramycin, netilmicin, amikacin, colistin and tetracyclines. A study of the phenotypes and associations of resistances has been equally performed.


[Comparison of bactericidal effects of four aminoglycoside antibiotics: amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin and tobramycin (author's transl)]. The authors have studied on 20 bacterial strains (5 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 5 Escherichia coli, 5 Klebsiella and 5 Serratia) the bactericidal kinetics of 4 aminoglycoside antibiotics: amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin and tobramycin. The antibiotic concentrations used for this work were 1.5 times the MIC for each strain previously measured in a liquid medium. The action of the aminoglycoside antibiotics shows three phases. The third phase describes a part of less susceptible bacterial population. It permits the comparison of the 4 antibiotics. Amikacin shows the best activity, followed by gentamicin, kanamycin and tobramycin.


[Specific soluble antigens and Listeria monocytogenes typing by electrosyneresis (author's transl)]. Listeria monocytogenes releases its antigens during the exponential phase. Electrosyneresis on agarose allows detection of these antigens in the supernatant of broth culture following a 3 h incubation of the strains. This serotyping method seems to be easy, rapid and reproductible. The authors have investigated 83 strains of different origines and find no difference with agglutination. However, during the stationary phase, L. monocytogenes releases other antigens which gave precipitation lines with all commercial sera tested.


[Cryoresistance during sporulation in Bacillus (author's transl)]. The maximal resistance at -- 20 degrees C is obtained as soon as stage V of sporulation in Bacillus cereus and for the spore of the mutant Marburg strain of B. subtilis bloked at stage V of sporulation.


Multiple congenital ocular anomalies with bilateral agenesis of the urinary tract. A 1,350 gm female infant with features of the Potter syndrome (dysplasia renofacialis) had multiple ocular anomalies. Absence of keratocytes in the central corneal stroma, cataract, retinal ganglion cell and nerve fiber hypoplasia, loss of optic nerve bundles, and angiomatoid proliferation in the area of the optic disc are most striking. Some of these findings, especially in the cornea, may reflect mesoectodermal dysgenesis. Abnormal ocular angiogenesis may well comprise a part of Potter's syndrome.


[Hypomelanosis of Ito: report of one case (author's transl)]. A case of hypomelanosis of Ito in a 22-month-old North African girl is reported. The family history is negative for skin disease. Whorls of depigmentation are present on the trunk and abdomen. Associated defects include: growth retardation, microcephaly, strabismus, bilateral epicanthus, myopia, hypertelorism and abnormalities of external ear. Associated non-cutaneous abnormalities documented in patients with hypomelanosis of Ito are reviewed.


[Auxotypes and sensitivity to 6 antibiotics of strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated at Strasbourg in 1977-1978 (author's transl)]. We have studied 386 strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated in our laboratory from July 1977 to October 1978, with the Catlin's auxotyping method. The distribution of the four main auxotypes, i. e. (+), (PRO-), (ARG-), (ARG-, HYX-, URA-), is different from those reported by others (in U. S. A. and Sweden). In Strasbourg, the auxotype (+) is prevalent. We have noticed some differences among classes of population. For example (ARG-) and (ARG-, HYX-, URA-) are scarcely isolated from prostitutes and we have found less (ARG-) strains in women than in men. The determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration of 6 antibiotics has shown there was no differences between the auxotypes except for the (ARG-, HYX-, URA-) strains which are more susceptible to all the antibiotics, but spectinomycin. Since August 1978, we have also noticed an increasing of the resistance which is mainly due to (PRO-) strains.


Abnormal liver function during nutritional support in postoperative cancer patients. Patients who receive total intravenous or nasogastric nutritional support after surgery for head and neck cancer show abnormalities of liver function. Twenty such patients were maintained in positive nitrogen balance. Serum alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase values were increased in 15 and 18 cases respectively. Possible causes for the abnormalities are discussed and further investigations proposed.


Congenital anomalies of the inner ear: introducing a new classification of labyrinthine anomalies. In a literature review of 108 articles a special effort was made to find and classify inner ear anomalies and diseases associated with inner ear anomalies. This study showed the following. Most of the diseases associated with inner ear anomalies are also associated with anomalies in other parts of the body. Hereditary characteristics comprise the most common etiological factor among the diseases associated with inner ear anomalies. Among anomalies observed in the cochlea, the vestibule, and the semicircular canals, anomalies in the cochlea are most frequently associated with various diseases and were observed in 30 of 40 diseases. Anomalies of the vestibule were observed in 25 diseases, and those of the semicircular canals in 18 diseases. Anomalies in both the osseous and the membranous labyrinth were most frequently associated with the diseases studied, as they were observed to occur with 10 of the 43 diseases. In this paper a new classification system for labyrinthine anomalies is introduced, based on this study of the literature.


Distribution of A1A2BO and Rho (D) blood groups in tribal populations of Andhra Pradesh, South India. The paper reports the distribution of A1A2BO and Rho (D) blood groups among five tribal populations, Koya Dora, Raj Gond, Naikpod, Pardhan and Lambadi from three districts of Andhra Pradesh, South India. Blood samples from a total of 1090 unrelated individuals were tested. Koya Doras were, however, sampled from five distant localities to find out intratribal variation, if any. In A1A2BO blood group system the combined frequencies of "P1" and "P2" among the five Koya Groups always exceeded the frequency of "q", a characteristic feature of many tribal populations of Andhra Pradesh. However, among Raj Gond, Naikpod, Pardhan and Lambadi tribes the frequency of "q" is higher than "p" with the maximum in Pardhans. The frequency of "r" is always higher than the combined frequencies of "p1" and "p2" except in Raj Gonds. The higher frequency of "q" over "p" among Naikpod, Pardhan and Lambadi tribes is indicative of a tendency towards the distribution pattern found in North India. A few Rh negative persons were detected only in Koya Dora, Raj Gond and Lambadis indicating that the allele r (cde) is present in these populations, although in a low frequency.


[Pseudomonas aeruginosa plasmids that control streptomycin resistance]. Wide distribution of streptomycin resistance determinants (83 per cent) among the resistance plasmids of the clinical strains of Ps. aeruginosa isolated in several clinics of 2 towns was found. Nine plasmids determining resistance to this antibiotic, as well as some other antibiotics, sulfanilamides, metallic ions, hydroxyanions and UV radiation were studied. The frequency of the conjugation transfer in these plasmids was different, i.e. from 10(1) to 10(6). They belonged to the following incompatibility groups: P-1, P-2, P-5 and apparently P-3. Eight out of the 9 plasmids determined the synthesis of streptomycin phosphotransferase which was evident of wide distribution of the streptomycin inactivation mechanism by phosphorylation among the strains of Ps. aeruginosa. The strains carrying the plasmids significantly differed by the content of the enzyme. However, all the enzymes could inactivate only streptomycin and dihydrostreptomycin and had approximately the same molecular weight (about 20 000). The strain carrying plasmid pBSII had no enzyme inactivating streptomycin (by phosphorylation or adenylation). The antibiotic resistance determined by this plasmid must be connected with changes in permeability of the bacterial cell wall by streptomycin.


[Action of grisin on the variability of an Acinomyces griseus culture and the use of the same antibiotic as a selection agent in the selection of active variants]. The effect of grisin on survival and variation of Actinomyces griseus producin grisin was studied. The efficiency of various concentrations of grisin on induction of variation according to the feature of the antibiotic production was compared. A possibility of increasing the productivity of strain. VNIIGenetics-115 by the use of the mutations of resistance to grisin is shown.


[Stimulation of interferon production].

[Stimulation of interferon production]. Data on the effect of some factors on interferon production in vitro are presented The kinetics of interferon synthesis in response to superinduction was similar to the respective curve of the effect of UV-radiation on the cell. Possible similarity in the effect of these factors on the mechanisms controlling interferon production is noted. An increase in interferon synthesis under the effect of ascorbic acid in cells of chick embryo fibroblast and L-929 was found. Combined use of the inductors provided an increase in the tests of interferon.


Diffusion disk susceptibility testing with cefotaxime. The diffusion disk susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to cefotaxime was determined. A 30-mug disk provided data for the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa, but yielded extremely large zones of inhibition against Enterobacteriaceae. A 5-mug disk seemed to provide the most useful susceptibility data for S. aureus and Enterobacteriaceae.


Activity of beta-lactam antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa carrying R plasmids determining different beta-lactamases. Azlocillin, carbenicillin, cefsulodin, mezlocillin, nocardicin A, piperacillin, pirbenicillin, sulbenicillin, and ticarcillin, but not HR756, showed reduced activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains producing seven types of beta-lactamase.


Transfer of R factors to and between genetically marked sublines of Rhizobium japonicum. Plasmids R1822 and pRD1 of the P-1 incompatibility group, for which Rhizobium japonicum had not previously been shown to serve as host, were introduced into a strain of R. japonicum. Acquisition of R68 and R68.45 plasmids by this Rhizobium was equivocal. Transfer of R1822 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and of pRD1 from Escherichia coli to R. japonicum was unambiguous, because the exconjugants subsequently cotransferred the three R-factor resistance determinants (kanamycin, tetracycline, and penicillin) between genetically marked sublines of strain I-110. Under optimal conditions the transfer of R1822 and pRD1 occurred at frequencies of approximately 10(-3) in plate matings of strains bearing as many as five dissimilar genetic markers. In matings with R1822 on membrane filters, recombinants were formed at incidences as high as 4%.


Comparative effects of Aroclor 1254 (polychlorinated biphenyls) and phenanthrene on glucose uptake by freshwater microbial populations. The effects of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and phenanthrene stress on glucose uptake by natural microbial populations were examined by the heterotrophic potential technique. Temporal and spatial distributions in glucose uptake velocities were examined for natural samples as well as PCB- and phenanthrene-stressed samples. Statistical analysis indicated significant variability among the various samples. It was demonstrated that the environmental variables contributed significantly to the variability in uptake kinetics. Although general trends indicated a PCB-induced stimulation in uptake velocities, these trends were in part masked by sample variability. Data analysis indicated no statistically significant PCB or phenanthrene effect on either total glucose uptake velocities or the proportion of 14CO2 evolved, as compared to natural unstressed samples.


Microbiological transformations of nabilone, a synthetic cannabinoid. A screening program was conducted to find microorganisms that modify the synthetic cannabinoid nabilone. After purification, the products from three cultures were analyzed by spectral methods to determine their chemical structures. An optically active 9S-hydroxy-6aR,10aR-trans cannabinoid was isolated from a culture of an unidentified soil bacterium designated A24007. From Bacillus cereus cultures were isolated a 9S,6'-dihydroxy-6aR,10aR-trans cannabinoid, a 9S-hydroxy-6'-keto-6aR,10aR-trans cannabinoid, a 9-keto-6'-hydroxy-6aS,10aS-trans cannabinoid, and a 6',9-diketo-6aS,10aS-trans cannabinoid. All of these products were optically active, as was a 9S-hydroxy-6aS,10AS-trans cannabinoid also isolated from B. cereus cultures. A series of acidic products were isolated from cultures of Nocardia salmonicolor. All of these products contained a carboxylic acid group at the terminal end of three-position alkyl side chains having varying numbers of carbon atoms. Two of the acidic products contained a 9-keto group, whereas all other carboxylic acid products were 9-hydroxy cannabinoids. The array of products obtained from incubation of nabilone indicates the usefulness of microbial transformations in the preparation of new cannabinoids.


Bacteriological quality of runoff water from pastureland. Runoff from a cow-calf pasture in eastern Nebraska was monitored for total coliforms (TC), fecal coliforms (FC), and fecal streptococci (FS) during 1976, 1977, and 1978. Bacteriological counts in runoff from both grazed and ungrazed areas generally exceeded recommended water quality standards. The FC group was the best indicator group of the impact of grazing. Rainfall runoff from the grazed area contained 5 to 10 times more FC than runoff from the fenced, ungrazed area. There was little difference in TC counts between the two areas, but FS counts were higher in runoff from the ungrazed area and reflected the contributions from wildlife. Recommended bacteriological water quality standards, developed for point source inputs, may be inappropriate for characterizing nonpoint source pollution from pasture runoff. The FC/FS ratio in pasture runoff was useful in identifying the relative contributions of cattle and wildlife. Ratios below 0.05 were indicative of wildlife sources and ratios above 0.1 were characteristic of grazing cattle. Occasions when the FC/FS ratio of diluted cattle waste exceeded one resulted from differential aftergrowth and die-off between FC and FS. The FC/FS ratio and percentage of Streptococcus bovis in pasture runoff are useful indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of livestock management practices for minimizing bacterial contamination of surface water. The importance of choice of medium for the enumeration of FS in runoff derived from cattle wastes is discussed.


Energetics of Microbacterium thermosphactum in glucose-limited continuous culture. Microbacterium thermosphactum was grown at 25 degrees C in glucose-limited continuous culture under aerobic (greater than 120 microM oxygen) and anaerobic (less than 0.2 microM oxygen) conditions. The end products of the anaerobic metabolism of glucose were identified as L-lactate and ethanol. Together these compounds accounted for between 85 and 90% of the glucose utilized over the full range of growth rates studied. In addition, 4% of the glucose utilized was incorporated into cellular material. Under anaerobic conditions the molar growth yield was 40 g (dry weight) of cells per mol of glucose utilized, and the maintenance energy coefficient was 0.4 mmol of glucose utilized per g (dry weight) of cells per h. For cells grown under aerobic conditions in the corresponding values were 73 g/mol and 0.2 mmol/g per h, respectively. The molar growth yield with respect to adenosine 5'-triphosphate varied with the growth rate of the culture, and the true molar growth yield with respect to adenosine 5'-triphosphate was found to be 20 g/mol of adenosine 5'-triphosphate.


Macromolecular composition of a Cellulomonas sp. cultivated in continuous culture under glucose and zinc limitation. The mutant strain of Cellulomonas sp. (ATCC 21399) was cultivated under glucose and zinc limitation at a variety of growth rates in continuous culture. The growth characteristics and macromolecular composition of the population varied with the limitation imposed and the growth rate. Glucose- and zinc-limited cultures maintained a constant relative protein content. The relative ribonucleic acid content increased, whereas the carbohydrate and deoxyribonucleic acid contents decreased with an increase in the population growth rate in glucose-limited cultures. Free unbound lipid remained constant. The maximum population growth rate in zinc-limited cultures was directly proportional to the zinc concentration and demonstrated a traditional steady-state function. The nucleic acid content increased with increased growth rate; however, the relative nucleic acid content was significantly depressed when compared to glucose limited cells. This manner of cultivation may prove to be a useful tool for the production of single cell protein with lowered nucleic acid content and the elucidation of micronutrient involvement in growth-related processes.


Redox potential-dependent nitrite metabolism by Salmonella typhimurium. Salmonellae are generally resistant to the inhibitory effects of NaNO2. Removal of the lipopolysaccharide of Salmonella typhimurium by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid pretreatment did not result in subsequent inhibtion of growth by NaNO2, indicating that lipopolysaccharide does not function to exclude NaNO2 from the cell. NaNO2 disappeared from the medium while the cells were growing, but, after stationary phase was reached, no further losses were observed unless the pH was maintained above 7.0. Similar losses were observed in a cell-free system if the redox potential of the medium was between -250 and -175 mV. If the disrupted cell suspension was first heated in a boiling water bath for 15 to 18 min, no NaNO2 loss was observed regardless of the redox potential. S. typhimurium is capable of metabolizing NaNO2, possibly by means of a nitrite-reducing enzyme function which is redox controlled.


Asymmetric diphenol formation by a fungal laccase. A laccase isolated from the fungus Rhizoctonia praticola catalyzed the cross-coupling of two differently halogenated phenols. When 2,4-dichlorophenol and 4-bromo-2-chlorophenol were incubated together with the enzyme, three dimers were formed and isolated by thin-layer chromatography. The molecular weights of these compounds were determined by mass spectrometry as 322, 410, and 366, which correspond with the respective dimers of each of the phenols and with a hybrid formed from both, tentatively assigned the structure 3,3',5'-trichloro-5-bromo-2,2'-diphenol. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of these products and of their methylated derivatives lent support to these structural assignments.


Electron beam therapy. Its effect on eccrine gland function in mycosis fungoides patients. An observed clinical side effect of total skin surface electron beam therapy is the patient's inability to perspire. An evaluation of eccrine sweat gland function was performed, utilizing acetylcholine chloride and a silicone impression material. The patient's inability to sweat after therapy, and recovery within a three- to six-month period after therapy was demonstrated. This phenomenon should be appreciated by both the physician and the patient prior to electron beam therapy in order to avoid the potential complications of this condition.


Metabolic and hormonal responses of low birthweight infants to intravenously infused calories not exceeding the maintenance energy expenditure. Eithe low birthweight infants were studied for their metabolic and hormonal responses to intravenous alimentation when the caloric input was varied. The study was made during three consecutive 12-hour periods, when solutions of glucose, glucose and amino-acids, and glucose and amino-acid and lipids were successively infused. Hypertonic glucose led to a fall in plasma free fatty acids and amino-acids. Supplementation with an amino-acid mixture increased the concentration of amino-acids but not above the fasting level. Thus, hypertonic glucose was an effective means for avoiding hyperaminoacidaemia. Blood urea was little changed, also indicating satisfactory use of amino-acids. The number and distribution of calories infused throughout the third 12-hour period, when lipid was infused, were also important factors contributing to the avoidance of hyperaminoacidaemia. The caloric needs of low birthweight infants kept at neutral temperatures should be individually assessed in the light of recent data. The administration of an unnecessarily large load of calories and nutrients to parenterally-fed infants can thereby be avoided.


Therapeutic approaches to anergy in surgical patients. Surgery and levamisole. Skin tests (ST) in 1332 patients are associated with increased morbidity from sepsis. Patients with normal skin tests had a 7% major sepsis rate and 2% mortality rate. Thirty-six per cent of anergic (A) patients and 21% of relatively anergic (RA) patients died; 52% of A patients and 34% of RA patients had sepsis. These data include all patients studied and represent their worst skin test. Two studies were done. The first was a retrospective evaluation of effect of surgery upon 49 anergic patients with biliary tract disease, colon cancer, bowel obstruction, hypovolemia and visceral abscesses. The patients did not receive total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The data show that surgery without TPN can reverse the anergic state and did so in 84% of patients reported. The second study was a prospective, double-blind, randomized trial of the effect of levamisole on skin tests, neutrophil chemotaxis (CTX), sepsis and mortality iin 39 preoperative anergic patients. Major sepsis was significantly increased in placebo group (p less than 0.05). Mortality, minor sepsis, restoration of skin tests and chemotaxis were somewhat better in levamisole patients but not statistically so. These studies show that in addition to TPN, surgery and immunorestorative drugs are viable approaches to the management of selected anergic patients.


Androgen binding in the baboon prostate. Androgen receptors were identified and partly characterized in cytosols of the caudal and cranial prostatic lobes of a 24-hr castrate baboon. Binding of cyproterone acetate (CA) to testosterone-binding globulin (TeBG) in baboon serum was negligible and therefore was an appropriate unlabeled competitor for distinguishing high-affinity binding of tritiated dihydrotestosterone (3H-DHT) to serum contaminants and receptors in cytosol preparations when multiple-point saturation analyses and removal of free steroid by charcoal adsorption were used. Specificity of androgen binding was demonstrated by the inability of diethylstilbestrol, a synthetic estrogen known to have low binding affinity for TeBG, to displace 3H-DHT from the receptor protein. The number of high-affinity binding sites and the dissociation constant of the androgen receptor calculated for the caudal lobe were 102 fmoles/mg cytosol protein and 4.0 X 10(-9) M, respectively; corresponding values for the cranial lobe were 49 fmoles and 1.3 X 10(-9) M.


Characterization of the exfoliative antispermatogenic agent 1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-H-indazole-3-carboxylic acid in the rhesus monkey. The effects of oral doses of 1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxylic acid (DICA) on spermatogenesis in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) was studied. Four animals given five daily 50 mg/kg doses or three or five daily 500 mg/kg doses showed that DICA was an exfoliating antispermatogenic compound. The inhibition of spermatogenesis was only partially reversible following 500 mg/kg doses of DICA. Weekly and monthly 50 mg/kg doses of DICA only partially inhibiting spermatogenesis as measured by electro-ejaculated sperm counts. Response in individual monkeys ranged from azoospermia to no effect. Testicular biopsies confirmed this finding. DICA did not affect serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), or testosterone concentrations. The blood absorption or urinary excretion rates of uniformly tritiated DICA in the animals that responded well did not differ from those monkeys that responded poorly. DICA metabolites were not detected in monkey urine. Serum testosterone concentrations appeared to vary with the season of the year, but FSH concentrations and ejaculated sperm count did not.


[Squamous keratinizing carcinoma in diverticulum of the bladder. Long term evolution]. The authors present a case of scaly carcinoma, located in a vesical diverticulum. They analyse the general problems involved in the etiology, clinical picture, histogenesis and treatment of this kind of neoplasia. The prognosis is unfavourable in a high percentage of cases. The personal case which we present progressed very well (3.5 years) after having been treated by means of diverticulectomy and post-operative radiotherapy.


The disposition of 3-methyl-2,3-dihydro-9H-isoxazolo[3,2-b]-quinazolin-9-one (W-2451). 3-Methyl-2,3-dihydro-9H-isoxazolo[3,2-b]quinazolin-9-one was readily absorbed, metabolized and eliminated in rat, dog, monkey and man. The radioactivity elimination after i.v. or p.o. administration of W-2451-14C in rats was biphasic with corresponding half-lives of 1.8 and 8.7 hours. Plasma half-lives of W-2451 in the dog, rhesus monkey and man were 1.4, 1.2 and 3.2 hours, respectively. In the rat, excretion via the urine was predominant, no significant accumulation in tissue occurred. The only major metabolite found in rat and dog urine, rat plasma and in the rat liver 9000 g supernatant fraction was the 3-hydroxy derivative of the drug. The unsaturated compound with the double bond in the 2,3-position and other hydroxylated metabolites were also present. Very little free or conjugated anthranilic acid and 3-(o-carboxy-phenylimino)-4-methylisoxazolidine were found.


[Regional myocardial shortening and blood flow through the graft after aorto-coronary bypass surgery]. In 56 patients operated on for coronary artery bypass grafting the relation between regional epicardial shortening, bypass flow, reactive hyperemia, and time postoperative was determined. Regional shortening in the newly perfused region was measured by a new technique employing four to six radiopaque markers sutured in pairs to the epicardium juxtaposed by 2 cm, and from 0 to 3 cm distal to the coronary anastomosis. Marker pairs were filmed sequentially at each follow up. Excluding dyskinesia, shortening fraction (ratio of shortening to maximum marker separation) for all graft regions at 1 week was 9.8 p. 100, 1 month 12.8 p. 100, 3 months 13.3 p. 100, and 6 months 13.9 p. 100. Average graft flow was 56 ml/mn and average reactive hyperemia was 25 p. 100 with 37 p. 100 of grafts having no response. There was a positive correlation between shortening fraction and flow, becoming significant (null hypothesis: r = 0) when reactive hyperemia exceeded 20 p. 100. Correlation was greatest at 1 week and 1 month, but became non-significant at 6 months implicating other factors such as new collateral development, bypass closure, new infarction, or altered medical therapy. It appears that bypass flow and reactive hyperemia do have a certain predictive value as to regional shortening up to 1 to 3 months postoperative.


[Obvious or inapparent Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome associated with duality of nodal conduction. Apropos of 4 cases]. In a series of 48 patients undergoing electrophysiological investigation for attacks of reciprocating tachycardia related to concealed or overt Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome in sinus rhythm, 4 patients were found to have duality of nodal conduction. This association was responsible for several tachycardia circuits: in 2 patients the activation passed constantly retrogradely through the accessory pathway and then either through the slow nodal pathway or the rapid nodal pathway in the anterograde direction. In the other two patients, in addition to classical orthodromic tachycardia, purely intranodal reciprocating rhythms giving rise to sustained tachycardia in one case and to simple echos in the other, were observed.


[Considerations about positive direct and indirect antiglobulin tests observed in a seemingly healthy pregnant women (author's transl)]. In this work, the Author report a case of positive direct antiglobulin test observed in a seemingly healthy pregnant. And, moreover, an anti-D immune antibody showed in her serum in the last weeks of pregnancy. To be continued a discussion of the case.


[Left ventricular cineangiography in the convalescent phase of a 1st myocardial infarct. Influence of coronary lesions]. 80 patients with a primary myocardial infarction (32 anterior and 48 posterior) underwent cardiac catheterisation and angiography (coronary arteriography and selective left ventricular cineangiography) within 12 months of infarction. Analysis of the results of catheterisation and angiography showed: -- Diffuse coronary artery narrowing to be more frequent in patients with posterior infarction. Significant stenosis of the left anterior descending artery was observed in half these cases; -- No correlation between the results of cardiac catheterisation and the distribution of the coronary artery lesions. Changes of ventricular contraction are essentially related to the infarct size and much less to the quality of the healthy myocardium as far as can be appreciated by the usual haemodynamic methods in both anterior and posterior myocardial infarction.


[Abnormalities of left ventricular contraction in the mitral valve prolapse syndrome]. Left ventricular contraction was studied in 20 patients with mitral valve prolapse presenting with chest pain and/or palpitations. In this group of symptomatic patients systolic abnormalities were observed in 11 patients (55 p. 100): segmental hypokinesis was observed in 5 patients, hyperkinetic motion in 3 patients and an association of hyperkinetic and hypokinetic pareital motion was observed in the other 3 cases. Abnormalities of ventricular relaxation were found in 80 p. 100 patients. In all, 90 p. 100 patients in this selected group demonstrated systolic and/or diastolic abnormalities of the left ventricular myocardium. Symptoms (anginal chest pain, palpitations, neurotic symptoms) appear to be more frequent and more troublesome in patients systolic abnormalities. Hyperkinetic movement may be related to increased levels of circulating catecholamines. Segmental hypokinesis may be the result of focal ischaemia secondary to an abnormality of the coronary microcirculation. Both these abnormalities may be dependant on dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Further study is necessary to define the role of the autonomic nervous system in the myocardial abnormalities observed in this valvular syndrome.


[Echocardiographic findings in the papyraceous right ventricle syndrome]. The echocardiographic findings in a young man with a "paper-thin right ventricle" or Uhl's anomaly are reported. The usual signs of right ventricular diastolic overload with slight delay in tricuspid valve closure were observed. The discordance between the normal clinical examination and the pathological appearances on echocardiography led to cardiac catheterisation which established the diagnosis.


[Treatment of functional tricuspid insufficiency by a valvuloplasty with a flexible linear reducer]. Valvuloplasty with preservation of the valvular apparatus is the treatment of choice in functional tricuspid incompetence (FTI). A new method of valvuloplasty has been developed using a flexible linear reducer (FLR); its insertion is simple and without risk to the Bundle of His. It is made of sections of elastomere covering a dacron core. The principle of the FLR is reduction of the tricuspid annulus leaving the septal leaflet free. It is a simple method which allows individual variations in the zone reduced (usually involving the anterior and inferior leaflets) and in the size of the reduction at each point. The excellent results at medium term in 20 patients with tricuspid FLR lead us to recommend widening the surgical indications for correction of FTI especially in cases where signs of right ventricular failure have been observed.


[Treatment of severe chronic cardiac insufficiency with dihydralazine. Short-and median-term results]. 17 patients with severe chronic heart failure (class III and IV) were prescribed hydralazine, an arterial vasodilatator, orally at doses of 150 mg to 400 mg/day. Considerable clinical improvement was observed in most patients. After 24 to 48 hours the cardiac index rose 79 p. 100, the systolic index by 67 p. 100 and left ventricular work by 73 p. 100, whilst systemic and pulmonary resistances fell by 51 p. 100 and 34 p. 100 respectively. There was no significant change in systemic blood pressure or in heart rate. These results were confirmed at 4 months. Mean pulmonary capillary pressure varied little at the start of treatment but decreased by 52 p. 100 at medium term (4 and 12 months) in this series. No cases of systemic lupus erythematosis were observed. The main, but not the only, indication of therapy with dihydralazine is low output heart failure with little elevation in the pulmonary capillary pressure, especially in primary cardiomyopathy and valvular regurgitation. At present, treatment should be based on the results of cardiac catheterisation and the dosage adjusted according to the rate of hepatic acetylation.


[Hemodynamic effects of hydralazine in the cardiac insufficiency of non-obstructive myocardiopathy]. The haemodynamic effects of a single dose of between 0.15 and 0.25 mg/kg hydralazine were studied during cardiac catheterisation of 9 patients with primary congestive cardiomyopathy and heart failure. The systemic arterial resistances decreased (--1 370 +/- 400 dynes/s.cm-5/m2, p less than 0.05); the reduction of pulmonary arterial resistances was less marked (--420 +/- 400 dynes/s.cm-5/m2, p less than 0.05). Intraaortic pressure was reduced (--16 +/- 12 mmHg, p less than 0.02) as was average pulmonary arterial (--4.2 +/- 4,2 mmHg, p less than 0.05) and left ventricular end diastolic pressures (--4.2 +/- 3.0 mmHg, p less than 0,02). Systolic index increased in all cases (+13 +/- 5 ml/syst/m2, p less than 0.001). Heart rate was unchanged. This was due to the improvement of left ventricular function by the reduced impedence. These results confirm the place of hydralazine in the treatment of certain forms of heart failure.


[Congenital arteriopathies and Leo Buerger's disease]. A homogenous series of 7 consecutive cases of Buerger's disease were investigated and the congenital malformations of the upper and lower limb arterial trunks were classified. These malformations constitute the anatomical basis of Buerger's disease and define an autonomous disease entity. Total supra-malleolar interruption of the main lower limb arteries either by triple vessel agenesis or, more rarely, by femoro-popliteal or popliteal and tibio-peronal agenesis was observed. The appearances  of the collateral circulation, already established in utero, are characteristic with long axial spiral-shaped arteries and dependant arterioles maintaining a precarious supply to the distal tissues which may be adequate for many years. The nautral history of the disease is directly related to the malformation of the congenital arterial system of the limbs. Proximal arterial malformative occlusion is the cause of early, inevitable trophic lesions; the spiral-shaped arteries and distal arterioles, which represent the maximal embryonic collateral circulation, limit the area of necrosis and favour healing.


[Value of an automatic chronometer in epicardial mapping]. The use of a digital display automatic chronometer during epicardial mapping is reported. The epicardial potential recorded by a tripolar electrode is transformed electronically by amplification, filtering, rectifying negative deflections and then summation. The interval between the reference signal (electrical impulse or other cardiac potential) is calculated automatically and displayed at an adjustable rate. The presence of a delay increases the range of application of the apparatus. Epicardial mapping is thus simplified and shortened.


[Parachute tricuspid valve associated with Fallot's tetralogy]. Parachute deformity of the tricuspid valve was observed with a severe form of Fallot's Tetralogy with pulmonary atresia in a newborn. Signs of tricuspid stenosis (peripheral oedema, right atrial dilatation, hepatomegaly and conduction defects) were associated with the clinical signs of the principal malformation (severe hypoxaemia). To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of parachute deformity of the tricuspid valve.


[Aneurysm of the membranous septum, left ventricular-right atrial communication and arrhythmias]. An aneurysm of the membranous part of the interventricular septum associated with a complex congenital malformation of the endocardial cushions was diagnosed in a 39 year old woman who presented with syncope. Diagnosis was made by echocardiography and confirmed by angiography. The operative findings were: a double aneurysm of the membranous septum, a left ventricular--right atrial fistula and two hemivalves attached to papillary muscles. The usfulness of echocardiography in the diagnosis of aneurysm of the membranous interventricular septum and in the follow up of ventricular septal defects from which they  arise is emphasised. The pathogenesis of the arrhythmias observed (accelerated idioventricular rhythm, reciprocating tachycardias and syncope possibly related to transient heart block) is discussed.


[Recent data on Lafora disease. Apropos of 17 cases]. This study reviews 99 anatomically verified case of Lafora body disease (82 from the literature and 17 personal cases). The clinical symptoms of the disease are characterised by the triad; epilepsy, myoclonus and dementia. An anatomical and histochemical study has been undertaken and as a result emphasis is given to recent hypotheses that suggest there are similarities with Type IV glycogen storage disease (Andersen's disease) which, although clinically distinct, has the same enzyme defect.


Diffuse parenchymal amyloidosis of lungs and breast. Its association with diffuse plasmacytosis and kappa-chain gammopathy. A patient had systemic amyloidosis that extensively involved the lungs and breasts. Diffuse parenchymal pulmonary amyloidosis is rare but well described. Involvement of the breast in systemic amyloidosis is, however, most unusual. This patient's amyloidosis was associated with diffuse plasmacytosis and a kappa-chain gammopathy. The plasmacytosis was most prominent in the renal interstitium. Immunoperoxidase staining of the renal infiltrate and breast demonstrated IgG/kappa-staining plasma cells exclusively, suggesting that these cells were a monoclonal proliferation that contributed to the patient's M-protein and possibly to the patient's amyloid deposits.


Ankylosing spinal hyperostosis (ASH) and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). The clinical and radiological features of 70 patients with ankylosing spinal hyperostosis are presented. Pain in some region of the back was found in 49 patients. No significant deviations were found in HLA typing. Radiologically, the most characteristic features were bony spurs or bridges in the dorsal spine, where they predominated on the right and anterior aspects of the spine, especially in the lower dorsal region. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament was found in 21 patients.


Ultrastructural studies on the replication of herpes virus ateles-73 in owl monkey kidney cells. The replicative cycle of herpesvirus ateles, strain 73 (HVA-73), was examined in the electron microscope and compared to that of other herpesviruses known to be oncogenic. A relatively slow replicative cycle of HVA-73 in owl monkey kidney (OMK) cells allowed us to distinguish cytoplasmic and nuclear stages of replication, comprising virus uptake, transport, maturation, and extrusion. Virus uptake was observed within 10 hours of infection and occurred both as a result of fusion between virus and cell membranes and by phagocytosis. Morphologic evidence for the transfer of viral DNA from nuclecapsids to the nucleus at the nuclear membrane is presented. This is shown by the location of numerous empty capsids in front of nuclear pores early during infection. Towards the end of the eclipse phase, at about 48 hougs after infection, two different types of nuclear inclusion bodies were observed. Progeny nucleocapsids were detected in the nucleus at the same time. The envelopment of nucleocapsids occurred both at the nuclear membrane and at proliferating Golgi lamellae in the cytoplasm. Each site of envelopment is associated with the maturation of a characteristic, morphologically distinguishable virus particle. The assembly of HVA-73 resembled that of other oncogenic herpesviruses.


[Pathologic anatomy of the Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (partial monosomy 4p--)]. An analysis of phenotypic manifestations of Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome from the 60 cases most thoroughly described in the literature and 3 own observations was done. Most characteristic malformations of this syndrome were shown to include coracoid nose and hypertelorism, coloboma of the eyes, hypospadia, aplasia, hypoplasia and polycystosis of the kidneys, dystopia and dysplasia of the cerebellar gyri, shortening of H2 field of the Ammon's horn with imparied orientation of its neurons, sacral sinus, and retarded bone maturation.


A case for further quantification of the stapedius reflex. Clinical stapedius reflex determinations presently include only threshold and decay measurements. Recent observations indicate that reflex latency, amplitude, and rise and relaxation times are sensitive to cochlear and brain stem disorders. Our investigations using a chronic animal model of an experimental acoustic tumor show that reflex amplitude, latency, and rise time are exquisitely sensitive to extrinsic pressure on the auditory nerve. Because of our observations and those of others, we suggest that further quantification of the reflex test will increase its sensitivity and reliability. Quantification can be achieved by an interface between an impedance bridge and a small computer to provide on-line averaged values for each reflex parameter.


The evoked cochlear mechanical response in laboratory primates. A preliminary report. The evoked cochlear mechanical response has been recorded in two species of laboratory primates, Macaca irus and Erythrocebus patas. The responses are very similar to those obtained in humans although the response to each click is of shorter duration. The response is vulnerable to the ototoxicity of furosemide and etacrynic acid and to noise exposure. At and near threshold an active generator of mechanical energy within the cochlea is proposed. The significance of such a generator and a possible source are discussed.


Prostaglandin F2 alpha-induced prolactin release and luteolysis in the goat. Injection of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) initiated a significant increase in plasma prolactin levels in all goats except those in anoestrus. Luteolysis occurred in non-pregnant goats during the mid luteal phase when the goats were given PGF2 alpha either with or without the suppression of prolactin release by bromocryptine (CB154). Luteolysis and subsequent parturition also occurred in pregnant goats in mid and late gestation after PGF2 alpha injection, with an associated release of prolactin and decrease in plasma progesterone. Acute prolactin release in response to injection of thyrotrophin releasing factor may have had a transient effect on plasma progesterone levels, but did not appear to be luteolytic in either pregnant or non-pregnant goats.


Genetics of resistance to tetraethyllead. A Drosophila melanogaster population was exposed for 25 generations to 60 micrograms tetraethyllead per gram of medium. Selection over this period resulted in an increase in fecundity, hatchability and larva-to-adult viability. Chromosome assay showed that response in these traits was generally under additive genetic control in conformity with existing results in the literature on the genetics of resistance to acute environmental stress in D. melanogaster.


The effect of protein-deprivation on the susceptibility to influenza virus infection: a murine model system. The effect of a 4% albumin diet initiated at weaning on the susceptibility to influenza virus infection was studied in C57Bl mice. Protein-deprivation was found to enhance markedly the susceptibility to a lethal infection with both mouse-virulent and avirulent strains of virus. Viraemia was observed more frequently in protein-deprived mice, and virus persisted longer in the lungs. The humoral immune response following intranasal infection was depressed, with normal levels of IgG antibody but reduced levels of IgM antibody. No difference was found in the seroconversion frequencies between well-nourished and protein-deprived mice. Pre-immunization did not affect the virus titres in the lungs of protein-deprived mice after challenge with the homologous virus, nor did it prevent the spread of virus to the thymus and brain. The results were discussed in terms of the immunocompetence of the malnourished host and of the potential risk of epidemic influenza in children suffering from severe forms of protein-energy malnutrition.


Determination of cerebral and neck subcutaneous tissue PO2 with 3 and 4 +Gz in M. mulatta. Four male and four female, fully conscious, M. mulatta were exposed twice each to diphasic accelerations of 3 or 4 +Gz (3 min) with a 10-min, 1-G intersession. One polarographic electrode was inserted intracortically and another one into neck subcutaneous tissue. With the first of two 3 or 4 +Gz exposures, cerebral PO2 fell from 15.11 to 5.73 and 2.92 torr, respectively; subcutaneous PO2 fell from 27.6 to 7.72 and 4.8 torr, respectively. Cerebral tissue exhibits post-G hyperoxia, related to initial stress intensity; even after the 10-min intersession, it is capable of mitigating the O2 desaturation effect of the second stress. Cerebral and subcutaneous tissue oxygen desaturation with G onset are comparable, but re-oxygenation in the latter tissue is apparently inertia-ridden and a simple relationship between the overall responses of cerebral and subcutaneous PO2 to +Gz acceleration could not be demonstrated.


Effects of hyperbaric oxygen upon S. aureus, Ps. aeruginosa and C. albicans. Numerous in vitro investigations have reported that prolonged, continuous hyperbaric oxygen (OHP) exposure to certain bacteria and yeast is bacteriostatic. While it is tempting to attribute the lower infection rates reported in OHP-treated patients to this bacteriostatic effect, the duration and intensity of OHP exposure in these experimental studies exceeds that of normal therapeutic use. This study was designed to investigate the effects of human OHP treatment protocols upon the in vitro growth and survival of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. Additional studies using antibiotic-containing culture media were conducted to investigate the possible OHP enhancement of antibiotic sensitivity. No differences were observed between the bacterial and yeast growth curves of the control and experimental group. OHP also failed to produce any measurable difference in the bactericidal effectiveness of the selected antibiotics.


[Distribution of the ABO blood group system and D antigen in Macedonia]. The authors have made a serious effort to present the distribution of ABO and D antigens in SRM for the first time after many uers of these antigens in a representative group in a whole population and according to different nationalities. Also, the comparison as done between obtained results and some others (results from some other countries and from other republics in Yugoslavia). The gene frequency of ABO system was analised.


Purine nucleoside phosphorylase variation in the brook lamprey, Lampetra planeri (Bloch) (Petromyzone, Agnatha): evidence for a trimeric enzyme structure. Genetic evidence for a trimeric structure for purine nucleoside phosphorylase in the brook lamprey is presented. This enzyme is encoded by a single locus with two alleles segregating at frequencies of 0.98 and 0.02 in a Welsh population. It is suggested that this enzyme is likely to be a trimer in all classes of vertebrates.


Partial purification and some properties of biopterin synthase and dihydropterin oxidase from Drosophila melanogaster. An enzyme which has been named "biopterin synthase" has been discovered in Drosophila melanogaster. This enzyme, which has been purified 200-fold from extracts of Drosophila, catalyzes the conversion of sepiapterin to dihydrobiopterin, or oxidized sepiapterin to biopterin. The Km values for the two substrates are 63 microM for sepiapterin and 10 microM for oxidized sepiapterin. NADPH is required in this enzymatic reaction. An analysis of enzyme activity during development in Drosophila indicates a correlation between enzyme activity and biopterin content at various development stages. Another enzyme, called "dihyropterin oxidase," was also discovered and partially purified. This enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of dihydropterin compounds to the corresponding pterin compounds. For example, sepiapterin (a dihydroterin) is oxidized to oxidized sepiapterin in the presence of this enzyme. The only dihydropterin that has been tested that is not a substrate for this enzyme is dihydroneopterin triphosphate, the compound thought to be a precursor for all naturally occurring pterins and dihydropterins. Since the action of dihydropterin oxidase is reduced significantly when the concentration of oxygen is very low, it is likely that this enzyme uses molecular oxygen as the oxidizing agent during the oxidation of dihydropterins. Neither NAD+ or NADP+ is required. In the presence of the two enzymes dihydropterin oxidase and biopterin synthase, sepiapterin is converted to biopterin. However, in the presence of biopterin synthase alone, sepiapterin is converted to dihydrobiopterin.


Purification and properties of the enzymes from Drosophila melanogaster that catalyze the synthesis of sepiapterin from dihydroneopterin triphosphate. Sepiapterin synthase, the enzyme system responsible for the synthesis of sepiapterin from dihydroneopterin triphosphate, has been partially purified from extracts of the heads of young adult fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). The sepiapterin synthase system consists of two components, termed "enzyme A" (MW 82,000) and "enzyme B" (MW 36,000). Some of the properties of the enzyme system are as follows: NADPH and a divalent cation, supplied most effectively as MgCl2, are required for activity; optimal activity occurs are pH 7.4 and 30 C; the Km for dihydroneopterin triphosphate is 10 microM; and a number of unconjugated pterins, including biopterin and sepiapterin, are inhibitory. Dihydroneopterin cannot be used as substrate in place of dihydroneopterin triphosphate. Evidence is presented in support of a proposed reaction mechanism for the enzymatic conversion of dihydroneopterin triphosphate to sepiapterin in which enzyme A catalyzes the production of a labile intermediate by nonhydrolytic elimination of the phosphates of dihydroneopterin triphosphate, and enzyme B catalyzes the conversion of this intermediate, in the presence of NADPH, to sepiapterin. An analysis of the activity of sepiapterin synthase during development in Drosophila revealed the presence of a small amount of activity in eggs and young larvae and a much larger amount in late pupae and young adults. Sepiapterin synthase activity during development corresponds with the appearance of sepiapterin in the flies. Of a variety of eye color mutants of Drosophila melanogaster tested for sepiapterin synthase activity, only purple (pr) flies contained activity that was significantly lower than that found in the wild-type flies (22% of the wild-type activity). Further studies indicated that the amount of enzyme A activity is low in purple flies, whereas the amount of enzyme B activity is equal to that present in wild-type flies.


Intracellular serine proteinase of Bacillus subtilis strain Marburg 168. Comparison with the homologous enzyme from Bacillus subtilis strain A-50. Intracellular serine proteinase was isolated from sporulating cells of Bacillus subtilis Marburg 168 by gramicidin S-Sepharose 4B affinity chromatography. The enzymological characteristics, the amino acid composition and the 19 residues of the N-terminal sequence of the enzyme are reported. The isolated proteinase was closely related to, but not completely identical with, the intracellular serine proteinase of B. subtilis A-50. The divergence between these two intracellular enzymes was less than that between the corresponding extracellular serine proteinases (subtilisins) of types Carlsberg and BPN', produced by these bacterial strains. This may be connected with the more strict selection constraints imposed in intracellular enzymes during evolution.


Altered sexual differentiation of hepatic uridine diphosphate glucuronyltransferase by neonatal hormone treatment in rats. The hepatic microsomal enzyme UDP-glucuronyltransferase undergoes a complex developmental pattern in which enzyme activity is first detectable on the 18th day of gestation in rats. Prepubertal activities are similar for males and females. However, postpubertal sexual differentiation of enzyme activity occurs in which male activities are twice those of females. Neonatal administration of testosterone propionate or diethylstilboestrol to intact animals resulted in lowered UDP-glucuronyltransferase activity in liver microsomal fractions of adult male rats, whereas no changes were observed in the adult females and prepubertal male and female animals. Neonatal administration of testosterone propionate and diethylstilboestrol adversely affected male reproductive-tract development as evidenced by decreased weights of testes, seminal vesicles and ventral prostate. Diethylstilboestrol also markedly decreased spermatogenesis. Hypophysectomy of adult male rats resulted in negative modulation of microsomal UDP-glucuronyltransferase and prevented the sexual differentiation of enzyme activity. In contrast hypophysectomy had no effect on female UDP-glucuronyltransferase activity. A pituitary transplant under the kidney capsule was not capable of reversing the enzyme effects of hypophysectomy, therefore suggesting that the male pituitary factor(s) responsible for positive modulation of UDP-glucuronyltransferase might be under hypothalamic control in the form of a releasing factor. Neonatal testosterone propionate and diethylstilboestrol administration apparently interfered with the normal sequence of postpubertal UDP-glucuronyltransferase sexual differentiation.


Interactions of small molecules with phospholipid bilayers. Binding to egg phosphatidylcholine of some uncharged molecules (2-acetylaminofluorene, 4-dimethylaminoazobenzene, oestrone and testosterone) that bind to ligandin and aminoazo-dye-binding protein A. 1. To assess the possible involvement of ligandin and aminoazo-dye-binding protein A in intracellular transport it is necessary to know how their ligands, most of which are molecules with hydrophobic moieties, interact with cellular membranes. To obtain such information we have examined the interactions of 2-acetylaminofluorene, 4-dimethylaminoazobenzene, oestrone and testosterone with aqueous dispersions of egg phosphatidylcholine and egg phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol (1:1, molar ratio) by equilibrium dialysis and spectrophotometry. 2. At 25 degrees C and pH7.4, the partition coefficients for binding to phosphatidylcholine [expressed as (mol of ligand bound/mol of phosphatidylcholine)/unbound ligand concentration] were: for 2-acetylaminofluorene, 5.0x10(3) litre.mol(-1); for 4-dimethylaminoazobenzene, 2.1x10(4) litre.mol(-1); for oestrone, 3.1x10(3) litre.mol(-1); and for testosterone, 4.2x10(2) litre.mol(-1). In the ranges studied these values were independent of concentration. The results for the two steroids confirm those of Heap, Symons & Watkins [(1970) Biochim. Biophys. Acta218, 482-495]. 3. The introduction of cholesterol into the lipid bilayers caused large decreases in the partition coefficients of oestrone and testosterone, but had relatively little effect on the binding of 2-acetylaminofluorene and 4-dimethylaminoazobenzene. 4. By assuming that the interactions with egg phosphatidylcholine bilayers resemble those with the phospholipid components of mammalian intracellular membranes the phosphatidylcholine partition coefficients, together with data for binding to the intracellular proteins ligandin and aminoazo-dye-binding protein A, enable the subcellular distributions of the four compounds to be estimated. For the rat hepatocyte up to 98, 99, 89 and 58% of the total 2-acetylaminofluorene, 4-dimethylaminoazobenzene, oestrone and testosterone respectively may be membrane-bound.