Effect of tri-iodothyronine replacement on the metabolic and pituitary responses to starvation. To determine the implication of decreased T3 production during fasting, seven normal men were fasted for 80 hours on two occasions; they received 5 microgram of T3 every three hours durnig the second fast. The mean serum T3 concentration declined during the control fast from 120 to 73 ng per deciliter (P less than 0.01), but remained slightly above base-line values during the T3 fast. Mean serum T4 concentrations did not change, and mean serum rT3 concentrations increased, during both fasts. The peak serum TSH increment after TRH was 11.1 micromicron per milliliter before fasting, 8.9 (not significant) after the control fast and 2.2 (P less than 0.01) after the T3 fast. Urea excretion was 9.1 per cent higher during the T3 fast; there were no differences in the changes in blood glucose, plasma fatty acids or other substrates during the two fasts. Pretreatment with potassium iodide lowered serum T4 concentrations and increased the serum TSH response to TRH after fasting. We conclude that the decrease in serum T3 concentrations during fasting spares muscle protein. Fasting is accompanied by a lower set point of TSH secretion, which remains sensitive to changes in serum thyroid hormone concentrations.


Cell characteristics of cultured glomeruli from different animal species. A modified sieving technique has been developed to isolate pure glomeruli from monkey, sheep, dog, rabbit and rat kidney. Glomeruli from all these species have been grown in tissue culture and the glomerular cell outgrowth studied by light microscopy and time-lapse cinemicroscopy. The pattern of growth was the same for all the species studied. In all species, three cell populations have been identified with the features of epithelial cells, mesangial cells and macrophages, although the latter population is only rarely observed. The morphology and culture characteristics of each cell type in all species were similar, including the relative numbers present and rates of division.


[Ossification of the posterior longitudinal spinal ligament--comparative studies with computerized tomography (author's transl)]. Ossification of the posterior longitudinal spinal ligament (OPLL) was characterized by calcified longitudinal band along the posterior margin of vertebrae, but it has not been possible to know how the cord is compressed within the narrowed spinal canal. Our neuroradiological studies based on CT-view of the 15 cases of OPLL suffering from various degree of myelopathy revealed: 1) Computed tomography precisely delineated shape of OPLL, which was quite polymorphic, like mushroom, irregular cubic and round. OPLL ranged more than two vertebrae was not uniform, but exhibited different configuration at each level. 2) OPLL at lower cervical and higher thoracic regions was difficult to diagnose by conventional lateral roentgenograms, but CT-scan demonstrated clearly whole extent of OPLL. 3) obliteration ratio of the affected spinal canal was calculated on CT-scan. Cases showing severe myelopathy, such as quadriparesis and neurogenic bladder, presented spinal canal stenosis of more than 30%. Spondylosis were concomittant roentgenographic findings on 13 cases of OPLL (87%). However, spondylotic changes responsible to the myelopathy were seen on only three cases. In these case, the obliteration ratio by ossificated ligament was lower than 26%. On conclusion, computed tomographic views of OPLL gave us more detailed information about the stenotic spinal canal and found to be essential examination when considering operative intervention.


[Computerized tomography in infants with seizures (author's transl)]. A total of 228 children suffering from seizure disorders were investigated by means of cranial computerized tomography (CT). Their age ranged from 3 weeks to 15 years. Structural abnormalities were assessed in 63% of these cases. The greatest incidence of organic abnormalities occurred in children with major epilepsy (83%) and with focal seizures (71%). Clinical data and the course of illness may require additional angiographic and repeated CT investigations.


Physiologic changes in regional cerebral blood flow defined by xenon-enhanced CT scanning. With adequate concentrations of commercially available nonradioactive xenon an enhancement of brain substance was readily demonstrated by computed tomography (CT). By performing successive CT scans at a fixed brain level following xenon inhalation, the partition coefficient and clearance of xenon as well as the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) could be calculated. The expected physiologic alterations in rCBF with acute cerebral infarction and changes in arterial CO2 were accurately defined by xenon-enhanced CT scanning affirming the potential future applications of this technique.


Radiography of hydrocephalus after total parenteral nutrition. An infant with chronic diarrhea developed hydrocephalus following treatment with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via jugular vein catheterization. Total parenteral nutrition is used when nutritional needs cannot be met adequately by oral alimentation. Serial computerized tomograms showed progression of communicating hydrocephalus. Superior sagittal sinograms demonstrated bilateral internal jugular vein occlusion with extensive venous collateralization. Lumboperitoneal shunt effectively decreased raised CSF pressure. A judicious approach to alternative venous routes for hyperalimentation is suggested. Radiographic delineation of communicating hydrocephalus by computerized tomography and superior sagittal sinography is presented.


Comparison of electrophysiological characteristics of the retino-collicular and retino-thalamo-cortical parts of the visual system of the monkey Macaca rhesus. In chronic experiments and in acute experiments with nembutal narcosis, photic-driven evoked potentials (EP's) were studied in the superior colliculi (SC) and in the cerebral visual cortex (VC, Area 17). In chronic experiments it was found that the EP's in SC and VC have similar latency periods (LP's) equal, respectively, to 12 +/- 1 and 12 +/- 2 msec (p less than 0.05); refractory periods during application of paired flashes are 50 and 70 msec for SC and VC, respectively. The critical frequencies for imitation of rhythmic flashes in both visual centers also coincide, reaching 20-25/sec. EP's with short LP's, equal to the LP's of evoked potentials in the VC, were found also in the frontal and motor cortex and the hippocampus. The problem regarding telencephalization of the retino-tectal channel of the visual system is discussed.


The public voice and the nation's health. Notes from your faithful but beleaguered participant observer at the battlefront. A professional layman speculates on the role of public voice in medical care--on ways of making organizations responsive to the public's wishes. Research conducted as a participant observer in the functioning of human subjects committees, hospital trustees, and a government regulatory body reveals the public interest to be no match for the special interest. Unusual proposals are offered to improve the public's control mechanisms; the marketplace and the polling place may yet serve well.


What is unnecessary surgery?

What is unnecessary surgery? The definition of "unnecessary surgery" has never been made very precise. A useful definition might be provided by the economist's notion of patient costs and benefits as they would be calculated by a fully informed patient-consumer. Combining both clinical information and consumer preferences, it is impossible to demonstrate unnecessary surgery for most diagnoses. Conclusions in recent Congressional reports on unnecessary surgery are not supported by evidence likely to benefit either individual physicians or patients.


[Antibacterial activity of fosfomycin in chronic kidney infections]. Authors have carried out a retrospective study in vitro on the bacteria isolated from renal parenchyma and stones in patients with CPN associated to kidney stones. Results show a different inhibitory action of the some antibiotics to Proteus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Fosfomycin inhibits the growth of bacteria in a wide range of concentration (50-1000 microgram/ml). A prospective study in vivo shows an excellent therapeutic action of fosfomycin in recurrent urinary infections, and a very good one in CPN and in some forms associated to kidney stones.


Glucose and insulin homeostasis during postoperative carbohydrate infusions. Hypertonic fructose and sorbitol solutions are claimed to have advantages over glucose in nutritional regimen due to their rapid hepatic metabolism. Insulin is essential for the extrahepatic metabolism of all three carbohydrates. At therapeutic rates (0.5 g/kg body weight/h) in the postoperative period they produce hyperglycaemia and an insulin response, not previously evident and similar to that of glucose. These changes are probably related to their intracellular metabolism and may explain the similar nitrogen-sparing capabilities of each carbohydrate following operative trauma.


Sodium valproate (Epilim) in epilepsy: a trial. Of thirty-five patients with various types of epilepsy treated with sodium valproate, 15 achieved complete seizure control on that drug alone, 12 other patients benefited and eight failed to improve on the drug. Excellent results were more likely in those with petit mal epilepsy and in those whose epilepsy was controlled with other drugs at the expense of side effects. Three patients were unable to tolerate valproate, but in general few patients experienced side effects and several patients felt much better on valproate than on their previous drugs. A twice daily dosage regime was satisfactory. Plasma valproate levels at the final dose covered a wide range, 0.21 - 1.2mmol/l (34 to 190 microgram/ml) and did not correlate with response, lack of response or side effects.


Ophthalmologic aspects of lipid storage diseases. A cherry-red spot in the macular region of the fundus is the hallmark of the metabolic disorder known as Tay-Sachs disease. Ocular involvement is also a frequent concomitant of generalized gangliosidosis Niemann-Pick disease, and Fabry's disease. Ophthalmologists who are aware of these manifestations are often the first to derive the correct diagnosis in patients with these heritable conditions.


[Bioavailability of orally administered antibiotics: influences of food on resorption (author's transl)]. After the administration of a liquid suspension of Penicillin V-K, Epicillin, Cephalexin, Ampicillin, Pivampicillin and Amoxycillin on fasting and not fasting children, plasma levels and urine excretion of antibiotics were determined. A standard meal influences in Penicillin V-K and Ampicillin not only the maximum plasma levels, but also the absorbed amount of the drug. In Epicillin, Pivampicillin and Cephalexin we were not able to detect an influence of food on absorption. Amoxycillin doesn't seem to be impaired by food. However, the considerable individual differences could have its reasons in a number of other factors presently investigated.


[Disturbances of calcium-phosphate-metabolism by anticonvulsant drugs in relation to their serum concentration (author's transl)]. 25.6% of 254 epileptic children receiving anticonvulsant drugs more than 3 years showed disturbances of Calcium-phosphate-metabolism and of ossification respectively. These disturbances are divided into 4 degrees of severity: 1. Raised alkaline phosphatase in serum alone 21 patients); 2. Metaphysial osteodystrophia (22 Pat.); 3. Generalised osteoporosis (16 Pat.) and 4. Vitamin-D sensitive rickets (6 Pat.). These abnormalities were found at most in long term-treatment with hydantoins or primidone. The measurement of serum concentration of these anticonvulsant drugs yielded significantly higher amounts in patients with abnormalities in Calcium-Phosphate-metabolism than in those patients without such ones. This result permits us to conclude that disturbances of Calcium-Phosphate-metabolism are serum-concentration-dependent side-effects of anticonvulsant drugs.


Active entry of bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma cruzi into macrophages. The uptake of bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma cruzi, Y and CL stocks, by mouse peritoneal macrophages and their intracellular differentiation and multiplication has been compared in vitro. After 48 h the number of macrophages showing intracellular amastigote forms was higher when the Y stock was used. The number of parasitized cells increased with the time of contact between parasites and macrophages. Prior treatment of the parasites with anti-T. cruzi antibodies and/or complement increased the number of infected macrophages, but did not interfere with their subsequent differentiation within the macrophages. The number of parasitized cells was greater when macrophages were obtained from mice previously treated with lipopolysaccharide, peptone or thioglycollate. Uptake was not appreciably affected when macrophages were pre-treated with trypsin or anti-macrophage serum, or when the parasites and macrophages were incubated in the presence of cytochalasin B. In the same experimental conditions, epimastigotes of T. cruzi when not able to differentiate into amastigotes. Their uptake was potentiated by previous treatment with specific antibodies and/or complement and was blocked by cytochalasin B. These results confirm that epimastigotes derived from T. cruzi cultures are phagocytosed and suggest that bloodstream forms penetrate actively into macrophages.


Failure to thrive associated with renal disease. Failure to thrive is a clinical syndrome usually associated with severely reduced increments in height and weight. It is commonly present in patients with chronic renal failure and occurs occasionally in patients with recurrent urinary-tract infections or tubular disorders. Renal osteodystrophy, protein-calorie malnutrition, and chronic glucocorticoid administration have been shown to be important causes of growth failure in patients with renal disease. Altered hormone production, metabolism, or peripheral utilization and acidosis may be causally related to growth failure. Such factors as anemia and hypos-thenuria appear to play no direct role.


Levels of stimulus processing by the squirrel monkey: relative and absolute judgements compared. Nine squirrel monkeys were required to select from various sets of stimuli-differing in size or brightness-either in terms of relational criteria or on an absolute stimulus basis. The level of information processing required by each task was assessed by means of stimulus transformation techniques, variations in set size, and by the elimination of the visible context. It was found that some relational judgements make fewer processing demands on the subject than do absolute stimulus judgements; the 'middle' relation, however, appears much more difficult to use than selection of a stimulus on an absolute basis and may be beyond the competence of the squirrel monkey. The results are seen as support for the thesis as advanced by McGonigle and Jones that the criteria of judgement, when varied, change the depth of stimulus processing by monkey as well as man.


Chlorinated insecticide and PCB residues in fish and mussels of east coastal waters of the middle and north Adriatic Sea, 1974--75. Concentrations of chlorinated pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and goby fish (Gibius sp.) collected in four areas located in eastern coastal waters of the middle and north Adriatic Sea. Most samples were collected in early spring and late summer of 1974 and 1975. The compounds p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-TDE, and PCBs were detected most frequently. In about 60 percent of the samples dieldrin was also detected. Average wet-weight concentrations of sigmaDDT and PCBs in mussels from the four areas sampled were: Istrian coast, 65 and 76 ppb; Rijeka Bay, 58 and 75 ppb; Zadar, 36 and 128 ppb; Losinj Island, 167 and 133 ppb. Average concentrations in fish samples were: Istrian coast, 124 and 144 ppb; Rijeka Bay, 37 and 82 ppb; Losinj Island, 166 and 157 ppb. Dieldrin concentrations were in the low ppb range. Although major Italian rivers discharge chlorinated hydrocarbons into the north Adriatic, sampling of biota from Istrian coastal waters indicates no significant effect on the pollution level. However, waste waters from small coastal settlements evidently do contribute significantly to chlorinated hydrocarbon contamination of that ocean. Marine samples from Losinj Island had high chlorinated hydrocarbon concentrations, indicating uptake of pollutants from the north Adriatic.


An unusual complication of subclavian vein catheterization for total parenteral nutrition. A 25-year-old woman with diabetic ketoacidosis and esophagitis was given total parenteral nutrition to improve her nutritional status. A central venous catheter inserted in the right subclavian vein was well tolerated for three weeks, when infection developed. The line was replaced by a left subclavian line. Within an hour the patient complained of back pain. A chest x-ray film showed that the tip of the catheter was to the left of the mediastinum and that left pleural effusion was present. The line was removed and 1,500 cc of fluid was removed from the left pleural space. The pleural fluid cleared gradually over several days and the patient became asymptomatic.


Total parenteral nutrition, An important therapeutic advance. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a potent form of therapy. It is particularly useful in patients who must undergo surgery or those with conditions that preclude normal feeding. The procedure is not without risk, but better understanding of the basic principles involved, refinements in technique, and experience with its use in different situations have combined to improve the results of therapy over those first obtained. TPN represents an important therapeutic advance and emphasizes the need for an undertanding of nutritional principles by physicians and for a team approach to the management of complicated conditions.


Drug-induced pulmonary disease.

Drug-induced pulmonary disease. Pulmonary disorders appearing as manifestations of adverse reactions to medications administered orally or parenterally are reviewed. The mechanisms involve toxicity, idiosyncrasy, allergy, or a combination. The drugs and medications include commonly used antimicrobial, antineoplastic, analgesic, vasoactive, neuroactive, and endocrine agents. For most reactions, the mechanisms are unidentified.


Response to thyrotrophin-releasing hormone in atrial dysrhythmias. Seventy-eight clinically euthyroid patients with atrial dysrhythmias, either established or paroxysmal, and sixty-three patients in sinus rhythm with coronary disease were screened for hyperthyroidism using thyroid function tests including the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) response to thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH). All had normal levels of serum thyroxine (T4) apart from three with dysrhythmias who were found to have hyperthyroidism. Twenty per cent of patients with atrial dysrhythmias and 10% of those in sinus rhythm had exaggerated TSH response to TRH. Thirty-six per cent of patients with an exaggerated response of TSH to TRH had significant titres of thyroid auto-antibodies compared with 15% with positive antibodies in those with normal TSH response to TRH. Auto-immune thyroid disease may be more closely related to heart disease than has previously been recognized. Rapid atrial dysrhythmias may occur in the presence of a normal serum thyroxine, high levels of TSH and positive thyroid antibodies.


Thyroid function in long term haemofiltration. Ten patients on haemofiltration treatment for between 4 and 20 months have been screened for thyroid function. Comparing serum T3 and T4 levels at the start of haemofiltration and 5 to 20 months later, a continuous decrease was detected (T3-Ria: 92 +/- 23 ng% to 68 +/- 23 ng%; T4-Ria: 4.94 +/- 1.79 microgram% to 3.81 +/- 1.21 microgram%). Serum TSH-Ria values also declined in mean from 3.48 +/- 0.47 muU/ml, yet two patients showed an increase as expected with a functioning hypothalamic pituitary-thyroid axis. During a single treatment TBG, T4 and T3 values increased in excess of the amount expected for the degree of blood volume contraction, whereas the T4/TBG ratio remained normal indicating peripheral euthyroidism. Serum TSH was found to decrease significantly after 5 hours of haemofiltration possibly by losses via the haemofiltrate. Stimulation of the pituitary gland by i.v. injection of 200 microgram TRH gave a normal TSH response. Chronic haemofiltration leads to a proportional decline of thyroid hormones and their protein bound fractions: euthryoidism was proved by the normal T4/TBG ratio and the absence of clinical signs of hypothyroidism.


DNA clones containing mouse immunoglobulin kappa chain genes isolated by in vitro packaging into phage lambda coats. Endonuclease EcoRI-digested DNAs from BALB/c mouse embryos and MOPC 321 (a kappa chain secretor) myeloma were fractionated by agarose gel electrophoresis, and the DNA fragments containing part or all of the MOPC 321 kappa chain structural gene sequences were visualized by the Southern gel blotting technique using as the hybridization probes pCRI plasmids containing all or part of the enzymatically synthesized cDNA transcripts of the MOPC 321 kappa chain mRNA. The clear differences observed in the hybridization patterns of the two DNAs are in agreement with our previously reported results obtained with endonuclease BamHI and confirms that the sequence arrangement of kappa chain genes is different in the embryo and myeloma cells. We have cloned most of the kappa-sequence-positive EcoRI DNA fragments in Charon 4A phage by using the highly efficient in vitro phage lambda DNA packaging method, and we have characterized the cloned mouse DNA sequences by agarose gel blotting and R-loop mapping in electron microscopy. These studies identified, among others, one EcoRI DNA fragment which contains both variable and constant immunoglobulin kappa-gene sequences and is present only in the myeloma DNA. The two sequences are separated by a 2.8-kbase intron. We tentatively conclude that the kappa gene sequences on this DNA fragment underwent somatic rearrangement.


[Antidiabetogenic activity of maninyl].

[Antidiabetogenic activity of maninyl]. Experiments were conducted on rabbits. A study was made of the effect of administration of maninyl (glybenclamide) into the stomach in a dose of 10 mg/kg of body weight for 7 days on the blood glucose level, insulin and zinc content in the pancreatic islands, and on the "dithizone" diabetes development. Maninyl administration was accompanied by a significant glycemia reduction. The amount of deposited insulin and zinc determined histochemically was sharply reduced up to complete disappearance from the majority of beta-cells. "Dithizone" diabetes was not reproducible in animals given maninyl preliminarily: the required condition for induction of this affection was formation of zinc dithizonate in beta-cells.


Gamma heavy chain disease in man: translation and partial purification of mRNA coding for the deleted protein. Lymphoid cells obtained from the peripheral blood of a patient with heavy chain disease have been established in long-term culture. They continue to produce a protein antigenically identical to the deleted gamma3 heavy chain disease protein found in the patient's serum. The availability of the cell line has made it possible to analyze the mRNA coding for this protein. The primary in vitro translation product is 1500-2000 daltons larger than the polypeptide portion of the cytoplasmic or secreted protein and has methionine at the amino terminus. The mRNA sediments at 15.5 S on sucrose gradients and therefore appears to be smaller than the 17S message coding for normal-sized mouse gamma chains. It contains a base sequence that codes for a hydrophobic amino-terminal peptide not found in the cytoplasmic protein. There was no evidence for the synthesis of translatable light chain message by these cells. The present data suggest that this protein results from a primary somatic genetic event that gave rise to a cell product bearing a normal aminoterminus sensitive to limited proteolytic digestion. The serum protein thus appears to begin in the hinge region but, in fact, contains a normal heavy chain initiation site.


Specific transcription of eukaryotic tRNA genes in Xenopus germinal vesicle extracts. Cloned tRNA genes from Drosophila and from yeast have been transcribed faithfully in extracts prepared from Xenopus germinal vesicles. The newly formed RNA is composed of precursor tRNAs (of 5S RNA size) and of tRNAs. The plasmid pCIT12 carries genes for Drosophila tRNALys, tRNAArg, and tRNAAsn, Nucleotide analysis of one RNA species transcribed from pCIT12 DNA showed it to be identical to Drosophila tRNALys; it even contained some of the modified nucleotides expected for this tRNA. This RNA species is formed in the germinal vesicle extract via a larger precursor tRNA molecule that does not contain nucleotide modifications. This simple transcription system should aid studies aimed at defining the regulatory DNA regions responsible for eukaryotic gene transcription. In addition, it may provide tRNA precursors that are needed for detailed investigations of eukaryotic tRNA biosynthesis.


beta-Galactosidase chimeras: primary structure of a lac repressor-beta-galactosidase protein. A protein possessing both lac repressor and beta-galactosidase activities in a single polypeptide of about 155,000 daltons was purified from a deletion mutant of Escherichia coli in which the lacI and Z genes are fused. A 77-residue cyanogen bromide peptide containing the fusion joint was isolated. A radioimmunoassay with an antibody prepared against CNBr2 (residues 3-92) of beta-galactosidase was used to monitor its purification. The sequence of the joining peptide was determined by analysis of tryptic peptides and by automatic sequencer analysis. The site of joining is from residue 355 of lac repressor to residue 24 of beta-galactosidase (or 356 to 25), indicating that the last 4 residues at the carboxyl terminus of lac repressor and the first 23 residues at the amino terminus of beta-galactosidase are not essential for the activities of these two proteins. The exact site of the fusion is not known because lac repressor residue 356 and beta-galactosidase residue 24 are both leucine residues. Examination of the nucleotide sequences around the two end points of the deletion revealed a homology of 9 identities in a stretch of 11 base pairs.


Plasmodium knowlesi-induced antigens in membranes of parasitized rhesus monkey erythrocytes. Highly purified Plasmodium knowlesi schizonts were used to produce a hyperimmune anti-parasite serum in a rhesus monkey. Proteins of membranes from normal and P. knowlesi-infected erythrocytes, as well as purified schizonts, were solubilized in 1% Triton X-100 and analyzed by bidimensional electrophoretic techniques. Of seven parasite-specific antigens identified in membranes of parasitized erythrocytes by crossed immune electrophoresis against monkey anti-parasite serum, only three could be detected in the purified schizonts. Bidimensional focusing-dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of membranes from parasitized cells revealed three proteins, in the 55,000-90,000 molecular weight region, with isoelectric points between pH 4.5 and pH 5.2, that could not be detected in normal membranes or purified schizonts. Membranes of normal erythrocytes and uninfected erythrocytes that had been incubated with sera from monkeys with 25-50% parasitemia did not react with the monkey anti-parasite serum.


Macronuclear DNA of the hypotrichous ciliate Oxytricha fallax. DNA in the macronuclei of Oxytricha fallax, as in other hypotrichous ciliate protozoa, exists as small, achromosomal molecules rather than in chromosomes. We report studies on O. fallax DNA using physicochemical procedures and nucleic acid hybridization. Macronuclear DNA molecules range in size from 22 kilobase pairs (kb) to about 0.5 kb. The DNA has a buoyant density in CsCl of 1.694 g.cm(-3) and a melting temperature in 15 mM NaCl/1.5 mM sodium citrate, pH 7, at 65.4 degrees . These values correspond to 34.7% Gua + Cyt and 28.1% Gua + Cyt, respectively, and base composition determined by thin-layer chromatography of nucleotides is 32.4% Gua + Cyt. The only modified nucleotide that is detectable is N(6)-methyldeoxyadenylate (0.2%), and the amount and kind of modification cannot account for the discrepancies in nucleotide composition determination by the three methods. The genes for 25S and 19S rRNA are contained in DNA molecules 6.67 kb in length, of which at least 6.15 kb is transcribed. These rDNA molecules show no intrastrand complementarity as does rDNA in some other lower eukaryotes, and they have two asymmetric sites recognized by endonuclease EcoRI. The genes for 5S RNA are in DNA molecules 0.69 kb in length. Digestion of this DNA with restriction enzymes BamHI, BsuI, HhaI, and TaqI gives no evidence for a tandemly repeated sequence. It is likely that both 19S + 25S rRNA genes and 5S RNA genes in the Oxytricha macronucleus exist as single transcription units, and both may have "spacer" regions approximately 0.5 kb long.


Lactose and major milk proteins are present in secretory vesicle-rich fractions from lactating mammary gland. Preparations enriched in apparently intact secretory vesicles were isolated from homogenates of lactating rat and bovine mammary tissue by differential and density gradient centrifugation in isoosmotic media. Morphologically these preparations consisted nearly entirely of vesicles of varying sizes, at least some of which contained casein micelles. Endoplasmic reticulum vesicles, Golgi apparatus cisterna and dictyosomes, mitochondria, peroxisomes, lysosomes, and nuclei were not observed in secretory vesicle-rich fractions. Vesicle preparations were enriched in lactose relative to total membrane fractions from mammary gland. The galactosyltransferase of lactose synthase (UDPgalactose: D-glucose 4 beta-galactosyl-transferase, EC 2.4.1.22) was also present in secretory vesicle preparations, alphas1- and beta-caseins, alpha-lactalbumin, and beta-lactoglobulin, the major secretory proteins of differentiated mammary epithelial cells, were identified as constituents of vesicle-rich fractions from bovine mammary gland. These observations suggest that the major carbohydrate and major proteins of milk are compartmentalized into secretory vesicles and are secreted by exocytotic fusion of secretory vesicles with the apical plasma membrane.


Viscoelastic studies on Tetrahymena macronuclear DNA. We have used viscoelastometry in an attempt to understand the physical organization of genetic material in Tetrahymena nuclei. The micronucleus or germ line nucleus is diploid. It divides mitotically during vegetative growth, and five pairs of chromosomes are seen in meiosis. The macronucleus, or somatic nucleus, is approximately 45-ploid, divides amitotically, and has no visible chromosomes at any stage. Viscoelastic analysis of Tetrahymena macronuclei reveals DNA Molecules of 2-3 X 10(10) daltons accounting for much, if not all, of the macronuclear DNA. Since the average chromosome in the micronucleus contains 2.4-2.7 X 10(10) daltons of DNA, we deduce that the macronucleus of Tetrahymena contains chromosome-sized DNA molecules.


Sensitivity of fatty acid cyclooxygenase from human aorta to acetylation by aspirin. The rate of acetylation of fatty acid cyclooxygenase (prostaglandin synthase, EC 1.14.99.1) by [acetyl-3H]-aspirin was measured in microsomes from human aortas and coronary arteries and intact and disrupted human platelets. We also measured the inhibition by aspirin of prostacyclin generation from exogenous arachidonic acid in shredded human aorta. Cyclooxygenase in human aorta and coronary artery microsomes is approximately 1/250th as sensitive to aspirin as enzyme in intact platelets, and 1/60th as sensitive to aspirin as enzyme measured in a platelet microsomal preparation. On the basis of the in vitro data presented, we predict that small oral doses of aspirin are sufficient to inhibit platelet prostaglandin production but are not sufficient to substantially affect aorta or coronary artery prostaglandin production.


Clinical experience with fast neutrons in Amsterdam. Since November 1972 a pilot study of fast neutron therapy has been carried out in Amsterdam at the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital (the Netherlands Cancer Institute). With a d + T machine almost 200 patients were treated in 2 years. In this paper the preliminary results will be discussed.


Parenteral nutrition in toxic septic states. An analysis is made of two groups each of 20 patients with toxic septic states and hypercatabolic renal failure, who were given parenteral nutrition for at least 3 days. Each group was divided into two subgroups, given glucose, 13--20 and 20--27 kcal. 24 h--1 kg--1 body weight; the second subgroup was also given nitrogen-containing infusions of 0.05--0.12 or 0.12--0.17 g of N 24--1/kg--1 body weight, the total calorie intake amounting to 23--28 and 28--33 kcal. 24 h--1 kg--1 respectively, with nitrogen amounting to 150--400 kcal./g. A mean daily decrease of blood urea of 9.2 mg/100 ml was recorded, together with a positive catabolism in the series given nitrogen, and a rise of 0.8 mg/100 ml with negative catabolic index in the series fed with glucose (P less than 0.01); there were similar nitrogen losses in both the series, corrected by catabolism formula. The results demonstrated a decreased rate of catabolism in patients fed with a diet containing nitrogenous compounds.


Acute renal failure: biochemical evaluation of total parenteral nutrition with essential L-amino acids. Plasma amino acid patterns were studied in three groups: one of 10 healthy subjects used as control, one of five patients in acute renal failure treated by haemodialysis plus a standard high-calorie non-protein diet, and one of five patients with the same clinical condition and treated in the same way except that the total parenteral nutrition consisted of a mixture of carbohydrate and essential L-amino acids. Our results indicate that haemodialysis seems to be responsible for some part of the depletion of amino acids and that their administration reduces this effect both for the essential and for the non-essential amino acids.


[Experimental cholelithiasis in animals]. This paper reviews the most relevant animal-based knowledge in gallstone formation, and its contribution to our improved understanding of the human illness. The importance of diet, age, sex and hormones has been proved in both animals and humans. Nevertheless, there are clear cut differences among species which make general conclusions hard to obtain. Although there is no ideal experimental animal, primates and hamsters seem to be close. Guinea-pigs, rats, mice, rabbits and dogs have been useful in providing key information in certain areas. The paramount importance of alterations in the lipidic composition of bile in lithogenesis is supported by experimental research in animals and has been ratified in humans. Diet is the main mechanism for experimental gallstone formation in animals. Observation of drug-induced lithogenesis in animals has made investigators aware of such phenomenon in humans.


Effect of carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbitone on serum levels of thyroid hormones and thyrotropin in humans. Patients on long-term treatment with either of the stereochemically related antiepileptic drugs phenytoin (DPH) or carbamazepine (CBZ) had similar changes in serum thyroid hormone concentrations. T4, FT4, FT4 index, T3, FT3, FT3 index and rT3 were reduced, whereas T3U and TSH were not significantly different from the reference group levels. Long-term phenobarbitone treatment had no convincing effect on the investigated parameters when used alone, but possibly potentiated the effect of CBZ. In patients starting on CBZ, T4 fell to a stable 70% of the basal level after 1--2 weeks. T3 decreased transitorily to 85% of the basal level. TSH showed a complementary but somewhat delayed transitory increase. T3U and TBG did not change significantly. The effect of CBZ and DPH can be explained by interference with thyroid hormone binding to TBG combined with enzyme-induced increased metabolic clearance rate of thyroid hormones without homeostatic maintenance of premedication levels of FT4 and FT3. We suggest that the regulated factor maintaining euthyroidism in these patients is the total quantity of thyroid hormones being degraded in the tissues per unit time. We conclude that serum concentrations of FT4 and FT3 do not reflect thyroid status adequately under all circumstances.


[51Cr]EDTA plasma clearance and endogenous creatinine clearance in advanced renal insufficiency. Comparison of [51Cr]EDTA plasma clearance corrected for extrarenal elimination with 24 h endogenous creatinine clearance in patients with advanced renal failure showed that the corrected [51Cr]EDTA clearance was lower than creatinine clearance, and thus might be a better approximation to the glomerular filtration rate in uraemic patients. The corrections cannot be used on [51cr]EDTA clearance values below the mean extrarenal clearance, averaging 3.7 ml/min.


Selective expression of antibody classes and contact sensitivity affected by genes in the major histocompatibility complex. This report describes IgM, IgG and IgE antibody and contact sensitivity responses of strains of mice congenic at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) to skin painting with picryl chloride or oxazolone. B10 had low responses of all classes to picryl chloride. This was also reflected by the DNA synthesis occurring in their draining lymph nodes after painting. B10BR were high responders to picryl chloride for all classes but B10A and B10D2 were high responders for all classes except IgE. This presents evidence that genes in the MHC can selectively control antibody classes. The contact sensitivity response of the congenics to oxazolone confirmed the low previously described responsiveness of B10 mice. Antibody responses to oxazolone (agglutinin and reagin) were low for all congenics with B10 backgrounds.


Influence of thymus genotype on acquisition of responsiveness in delayed-type hypersensitivity. Antigen-pulsed macrophages (Mph) could sensitize syngeneic mice for delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and also elicit sensitivity from mice sensitized to antigen in adjuvant provided these were syngeneic or semi-allogeneic to the strain providing the Mph. Sensitivity could not be elicited with antigen-pulsed allogeneic Mph. Antigen-pulsed Mph from low-responder (LR) strains could not sensitize LR mice nor F1 hybrids between responder (R) and LR strains. Normal F1 mice could be sensitized to respond to antigen presented on Mph or either parental type (i.e. P1 or P2): if, however, they were sensitized to antigen on P1 Mph, DTH transfer was restricted to naive P1 mice, not to P2 (restriction imposed by priming). F1 T cells derived from stem cells differentiating in a P1 thymus graft could be sensitized but could transfer sensitivity only to naive P1 mice, not to P2 (restriction imposed in thymus). When an antigen under Ir gene control was used, LR derived T cells differentiating in an (R X LR)F1 thymus could be sensitized but only if antigen was presented on (R X LR)F1 Mph not on LR Mph. Totally allogeneic chimaeras could be sensitized but only if given antigen in association with the appropriate Mph. These findings suggest that restriction of T cell activities can be imposed as a result of priming in some cases and as a result of differentiation within the thymus in others. LR strains appear to have a lesion at the level of antigen presentation by Mph; whether they also have a defect at the level of generation of T cell repertoire cannot be determined from the present investigations.


Cell-mediated and humoral immune responses to cartilage antigenic components. Cell-mediated immunity and antibody production to cartilage antigens were studied in rabbits. From day 3 of immunization an inhibition of leucocyte migration was observed in animals immunized with collagen-free fractions of bovine nasal or human rib cartilage. Delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity was elicited between 5 and 6 days and the circulating antibodies were demonstrated by passive haemagglutination on day 9. No significant correlation was observed between the antibody production and the cell-mediated immunity. Cell-mediated immune responses to cartilage antigens and to purified protein derivative were distinctly different, but the two antigens influenced one another when they were administered together. The 'species common' antigen of connective tissues may be primarily responsible for the early immune reactions.


Cerebrovascular effects of cerebrospinal fluid removal. The effects on cerebral blood flow of withdrawal of graded volumes of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the cisterna magna were studied in 12 barbiturate-anaesthetized baboons. The results show that withdrawal of CSF was accompanied by a decreased CSF pressure, an increased CSF PCO2, a decreased CSF PO2 and an increased cerebral blood flow. The possible clinical significance of these findings is pointed out.


Zinc deficiency in total parenteral nutrition. A patient with multiple enterocutaneous fistulae who developed the skin manifestations of acrodermatitis enteropathica while on total parenteral nutrition is described. The value of monitoring the serum alkaline phosphatase to demonstrate zinc deficiency is shown. The skin manifestations responded rapidly to the re-introduction of zinc to the diet.


Total body water changes during high volume peripheral hyperalimentation. A premature baby with gastroschisis, ileal atresia and secondary short gut syndrome was sustained with the use of peripheral hyperalimentation consisting of 2 per cent Amigen, 12 per cent glucose and 10 per cent Intralipid at an average rate of 140 to 160 milliliters per kilogram per day or 100 to 111 kilocalories per kilogram per day. The weight of the child increased during the first four months to approximately 14 grams per day, with body length increasing by about 6 millimeters per week. Six reliable measurements of the total body water of the child during the four month period were obtained using deuterium oxide dilution followed by double vacuum distillation and falling drop analysis in a constant temperature chamber. Measurements obtained showed a gradual decrease of total body water from 77.13 per cent of body weight to 60.50 per cent during the study period, with values consistently on the lower end of the spectrum of known normal controls, even during periods of increased growth rates of as much as 35 grams per day. These data on total body water, coupled with the observed gains in body weight and length, support tissue accretion rather than fluid retention as the mechanism of weight gain in long term, high volume peripheral hyperalimentation.


A model of biliary pancreatic reflux.

A model of biliary pancreatic reflux. A primate model for the study of biliary pancreatic reflux under relatively physiological conditions is described. Cannulas were inserted into the gallbladder and the common bile duct of rhesus monkeys, and a pedicled segment of small bowel was used to create a pancreaticocutaneous fistula after resection of the spleen and pancreatic tail. Following recovery, Hypaque was instilled into the gallbladder with maintenance of common duct pressure within a normal range. The pancreatic duct was visualized in 21 of 34 radiographic studies (19 monkeys). Small amounts of iodine were detected in the fistula effluent of nine of 11 animals that refluxed radiologically. Radioactive polyethylene glycol (PEG-C14) was instilled into the gallbladder and pancreatic fistula drainage sampled by aspiration (26 studies, four monkeys). When compared to controls without PEG instillation (six studies, four monkeys), there was a significant rise in fistula counts beginning 50 minutes after injection and peaking at 180 minutes. In a second series of studies, pancreatic fistula aspiration was replaced by a flush technique using a triple-lumen cannula which allowed constant monitoring and control of fistula pressure. A statistically significant rise and fall of radioactivity after PEG introduction again was demonstrated. These data demonstrate taht biliary pancreatic reflux can occur and be quantitated under these experimental conditions.


Auxotypes and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Neisseria gonorrhoeae from disseminated and local infections. The arginine-hypoxanthine-uracil auxotype has been linked with the propensity of gonococci to cause disseminated infections. Gonococci recovered from 25 patients with disseminated gonococcal infections were compared with gonococci recovered from matched controls, patients with uncomplicated gonorrhea selected during the same month. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, and ampicillin, and the nutritional requirements (auxotypes) for proline alone, arginine alone, arginine, hypoxanthine and uracil together, serine alone and cysteine-cystine (wild type) were analyzed by discriminant analysis. Significant susceptibility to penicillin characterized strains causing disseminated infection, and a proline requirement was the most common auxotype (48%) among strains isolated in Atlanta. Together the minimal inhibitory concentration of penicillin and the proline auxotype best separated the strains causing gonorrhea. The arginine-hypoxanthine-uracil auxotype was was found in only 24% of strains causing disseminated infections. A trait other than auxotype must determine the capacity of the organisms to disseminate.


The preparation and immunosuppressive properties of equine antihuman thymocyte membrane immunoglobulin G. Human thymocytes separated by a Ficoll gradient produced a cell population that was 99% pure thymocytes and free of platelets, leukocytes, and epithelial cells. These cells, disrupted by a nitrogen bomb, produced a membrane-ribosome antigen fraction confirmed by enzyme analysis. Equine antithymocyte membrane-immunoglobulin G (ATM-IgC) prepared against this antigen in four of five horses contained immunosuppressive properties capable of prolonging monkey skin allograft survival longer than 21 days. No adverse effects were noted by the intramuscular and intravenous administration of this antisera to primates, and autopsy examination showed marked depletion of paracortical lymphocytes in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes. A moderate thrombocytopenia occurred during a 4 hour intravenous administration of ATM-IgG to primates with a marked decrease in the peripheral lymphocyte count. The deposition of ATM-IgG upon monkey glomerular basement membrane could not be demonstrated by immunofluorescent techniques. The specificity of this globulin to contain anti-T-cell antibody was confirmed by an immunofluorescent assay in that ATM-IgG reacted with both human thymocytes and peripheral blood thymus-dependent cells, but was nonreactive when tested against a panel of human cells free of thymus-dependent antigens.


Gonorrhea in the homosexual man: frequency of infection by culture site. The aims of this study were determine the frequencies of infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae at various sites in homosexual men who were attending clinics for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases in central Scotland and to appraise the diagnostic tests used. Specimens for culture were taken from the urethra, pharynx, and anorectum of every homosexual man in the study. When the first cultures of pharyngeal and rectal specimens were negative, these cultures were repeated twice at weekly intervals. The urethra was infected in 169 (60.8%), the anorectum in 114 (41.0%), and the pharynx in 23 (8.3%) of 278 patients who had gonorrhea. By reliance on only one set of tests, eight (7.0%) of 114 patients who had rectal gonorrhoea and six (26.1%) of 23 patients with pharyngeal infection would have been missed. The results indicate the importance of obtaining specimens for culture from all sites that might possibly be infected, regardless of the symptoms.


Developmental staging and thalidomide teratogenicity in the green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops). The developmental stages of 11 Cercopithecus aethiops embryos, 24 to 45 days post-mating, are described. The onset of organogenesis in this species is approximately five to seven days later than that reported for macaques and baboons. This temporal difference in the embryonic period is an important factor in the analysis of the subsequent teratogenic study. Oral administration of thalidomide in single or multiple (3-day) treatment periods to pregnant green monkeys between days 28 and 33 resulted in defects of the limbs which resemble those observed in macaques and baboons. However, the sensitive period occurs approximately four days later than that reported for another nonhuman primates. These results indicate that the sensitive period of the limbs to thalidomide coincides with their earliest development.


[A placental transfer study of a pesticidal carbamate (sevin) in the rat (author's transl)]. After a single administration per os of a widely active carbamate pesticide : 1-naphthyl-N-methyl14C-carbamate (carbaryl) to the female rat on 19th day of pregnancy, 14C can be found into each foetus, as in placenta and amniotic fluid. This 14C activity, of important value compared to the one encountered into maternal organs, increases with time and reaches for each foetus 0,4% of the total activity given to the mother three days before. This activity's augmentation seems to be related to body-weight increment of great magnitude during the last period of pregnancy.


[Effect of polychlorinated biphenyls in the rat: I. -- Relation tissue level dose (author's transl)]. Rats were fed with a diet containing Phenoclor DP6, a French commercial polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixture, for 30 days. Diet PCB levels were 10, 100, 500 and 1000 ppm (wet weight). At 500 ppm, a 50 per cent mortality was found after 8 days, while a 100 per cent mortality was noted after 6 days with 1000 ppm. Our principal findings include: loss of body weight (at major doses), central nervous system stimulation, inflammation of lungs and gastro-intestinal tractus, and fatty degeneration of the hepatic cells. Ingested PCB is found in all organs and tissues tested and was largely stored in liver and muscle. PCB levels in the major tissues are related to dietary doses.


[Effect of polychlorinated biphenyls in the rat: II.--Preliminary report on metabolic alterations (author's transl)]. Rats were fed with a diet containing 10 and 100 ppm (wet weight) of Phenoclor DPR for 4 weeks in order to evaluate the toxicity of a French PCB mixture. The influence of PCB was studied by determining the liver weights, the hepatic and muscular proteins, glycogen and humidity content as well as hematocrite, glucose, proteins and lipids in the plasma, and the lipidic contents of the liver and the carcass. There was a significant increase in both liver to body weight ratios and liver lipid and protein content. A large increase in plasma proteins and lipids was observed at 100 ppm. Liver glycogen content and blood glucose were slightly modified by the PCB intoxication. Muscular parameters remain-ded stable. A consistent effect on liver microsomal proteins was noted for all doses studied. At the same diet levels, Phenoclor DP6 determines more métabolic alterations than Aroclor 1260 or 1268.


Polychlorinated biphenyls induced rat liver adenomas. Multiple liver adenomas were found in 30 month old female rats which had received for 28 months, 200 ppm polychlorinated biphenyls (Arochlor 1254) in their drinking water. No lung metastases were detected. The examination of fragments of these adenomas under the electron microscope showed group polymorphism of the hyperplastic liver cells. The ultrastructural changes were considered to be as a result of chemical lesions induced by polychlorinated biphenyls and as adaptive morphological responses to the long term exposure to toxic chemical compounds. The group polymorphism was seen in the light of the clonal theory, to be the result of inherited biochemical lesions occurring in cells of hyperplastic liver nodules.


[Pharmacokinetic study of 14C-carbaryl in pregnant mice (author's transl)]. The distribution of a single oral dose of 1-naphthyl-N-méthyl 14C-carbamate (Carbaryl), a cholinesterase inhibitor, in pregnant mice (18th day) was determined by whole-body autoradiography and 14C-activity counting of main organs. Although most of the 14C was quickly eliminated (24 h), mainly by the biliary route, there was retention in the maternal organs. Placental transfer of the radioactivity was rapid and readily detectable 5 h after administration. Radioactivity in the foetus remained higher than in the maternal kidney, spleen and heart and persisted after birth. Localisation in foetal eye, liver and central nervous system was observed.


[Effect of polychlorinated biphenyls in the rat. III - PCB distribution, storage and elimination relation time (author's transl)]. The study of accumulation and elimination of Phenoclor DP6 (a commercial PCB mixture) was carried out in three experiments : 1) Rats were fed diet containing 100 ppm of DP6 and were sacrificed after 1, 3, 8, 15 and 30 days. 2) Rats fed DP6 diet during 15 days were subsequently fed with a control diet and sacrificed 8, 15, 52 and 78 days after removal DP6 diet. 3) Bile was collected from surgically treated rats fed DP6 diet during 15 days. Polychlorobiphenyls were spotted in fat carcasses, liver, brain, kidney, muscle, feces and urine to determine absorption, distribution in the animal organism and the clearence rates in urine and feces. We found a very hight DP6 absorption and retention. The low excretion and metabolisation of DP6 result in low decrease after removal DP6 diet.


[Effect of polychlorinated biphenyls in the rat. IV - Metabolic alterations and residual effects of DP6 dietary exposure (author's transl)]. In the first experiment, rats fed diet containing Phenoclor DP6 at a level of 100 ppm (wet weigh) were sacrificed after 1, 3, 8, 15 and 30 days of treatment. Metabolic alterations such as enlarged liver, increased protein and lipid liver contents and hyperlipemia were established within 8 days. The glucid metabolism and muscle metabolic parameters show a low sensibility to DP6 treatment. In the second experiment, rats fed diet containing Phenoclor DP6 (100 ppm) for 15 days were subsequently removed from the experimental diet and placed on control diet. The metabolic alterations described above disappear within 52 days after removal DP6 diet, although the remaining liver PCB stays elevated. These data attest the early effect of DP6 exposure in rats and the reversibility of induced metabolic alterations.


[Evolution and transformation in animal organism of some polychlorobiphenyls (author's transl)]. Intoxication by pure polychlorobiphenyls and a commercial product is studied, in rats, after intraperitoneal and oral administration. Their fixation and excretion of their metabolites is greater by intraperitoneal than by oral administration. The only hydroxy metabolites, identified by means of synthesis, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry are, all, derivatives from trichlorobiphenyl. It appears that administration of commercial product induces a more rapid degradation of these compounds in animal organism.


The McCormick Family Planning Program in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The McCormick Family Planning Program is a private, single-purpose program that has been offering contraceptive services to women in largely rural Chiang Mai province in Northern Thailand since 1963. In addition to two clinics in Chiang Mai city, the program operates a mobile unit, which visits service points throughout the province. An injectable contraceptive, DMPA, has been selected by about two-thirds of program acceptors since 1965, despite its prevalent side effect of amenorrhea. The service generates sufficient revenues, from relatively low fees for sterilization and contraception, to cover most operating costs. The program is seen as successful in providing rural women with contraceptives services. Aspects of the program--particularly the use of DMPA and the mobile service unit--are considered replicable in other settings.


Purine nucleotide metabolism in promastigotes of Leishmania tropica: inhibitory effect on allopurinol and analogues of purine nucleosides. The catabolism of adenosine 5'-monophosphate in promastigotes of L. tropica suggests the presence of a parasite specific pathway. In continuing the investigation on enzymes of this pathway two purine nucleoside cleaving enzymes have been found, adenosine phosphorylase and inosine nucleosidase. Various purine nucleoside analogues inhibited the activity of both enzymes. A mode of action of the growth inhibition of L. tropica promastigotes by allopurinol has been suggested on the basis of Michaelis and inhibitor constants.


The reconstruction of a helical structure from projections applied to a phage tail. A procedure has been described for 3 D-image reconstruction for helical biological structures, if more than one projection will be required to determine the contributing helical density-waves. The method was tested with a helical protein aggregate derived from a bacteriophage. The results showed the feasibility of the proposed scheme and yielded a low resolution picture (about 2.5 nm) of the protein structure.


Radiation treatment of urinary bladder carcinoma. A series of 602 patients with verified urinary bladder cancer have been treated with full irradiation in the period 1957--1970. As expected, the survival rate decreased with increasing stage of the tumour. Another group was randomized and treated according to either of two fractionation schemes. This trial started in 1971 and shows that there is increased survival and tumour clearance rate with superfractionation.


Comprehensive radiotherapy for advanced Hodgkin's disease refractory to chemotherapy. Seven patients with advanced nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's disease who relapsed after initial intensive combination chemotherapy were selected for individualized pathologic restaging and comprehensive radiotherapy. One patient failed to respond completely to mantle-field irradiation and no further staging or radiotherapy was undertaken. Six other patients underwent staging laparotomy and received total nodal irradiation including prophylactic lung irradiation (5 cases) and hepatic irradiation (3 cases). Irradiation was well tolerated. Complete remission was achieved by 5 patients and 2 continue in remission 29+ and 32+ months after beginning of irradiation. Five of the 7 patients remain alive. This study indicates that comprehensive irradiation is a relatively well tolerated and effective treatment for carefully selected patients with advanced Hodgkin's disease who have relapsed after combination chemotherapy. For selected patients, pathologic restaging and comprehensive radiotherapy can be considered as an alternative to further chemotherapy.


[Distribution of erythrocyte antigens and blood protein factors among the population of genogeographical zones of the Ukrainian SSR]. The phenotype distribution, the antigen occurrence and genes frequency of rhesus, ABO, MN system were studied in 654 persons inhabiting the Central-Ukrainian and Desnanian geno-geographic zones of the republic. The phenotype distribution and genes frequency of Hp, Gc Tf serum system were also studied in the inhabitants of the Central-Ukrainian zone. The probability of intergroup differences in the phenotype distribution and various ABO, rhesus and MN system antigens among the population fo two above-mentioned zones is, as a rule, statistically insignificant.


A comprehensive protocol for management of cancer of the bilharzial bladder. A randomized clinical trial for the management of bilharzial bladder cancer is presented. A multidisciplinary approach is adopted. The objective of the study is to evaluate the role of adjuvant radiotherapy in improving the results of surgery in deeply infiltrating tumours, and to screen a number of chemotherapeutic agents for their effectiveness in bladder cancer. A large number of cases will be admitted into the study and the results will hopefully help to achieve better results in the management of this disease.


Orgotein (superoxide dismutase): a drug for the amelioration of radiation-induced side effects. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients with bladder tumours. Orgotein, the drug version of Cu-Zn superoxide dismutases is a new and safe anti-inflammatory agent. Animal experiments have shown that it does not interfere with the tumourolytic effects of radiation or chemotherapy. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study has demonstrated that orgotein injected after each daily irradiation session can be used safely and effectively to ameliorate or prevent the side effects due to high-energy radiation therapy (8,400 or 6,400 rads) of bladder tumours. Orgotein significantly reduced the signs and symptoms both in the bladder and the bowel, indicating that it provides a therapeutic regimen for control of these side effects, which to date could only be treated symptomatically.


[Etiology of porcine dysentery].

[Etiology of porcine dysentery]. The etiological agent of swine dysentery is an anaerobic spiralshaped microorganism of the Treponema genus. Examination of a scraping from the mucous membrane of the large intestine or the examination of faeces in a native preparation by phase contrast are the fastest diagnostical methods of determining swine dysentery. Large treponemas, as predominating microflora, 6--9 micrometer long, 0.3--0.4 micrometer in diameter, spiralshaped and moving in a serpentine way are found in faeces and the mucous membrane in the case of acute swine dysentery. These large treponemas were identified in 14% of clinically healthy pigs but in very small numbers. Treponemas are sensitive to their habitat. Treponemas survive for up to five days only in faeces which are suitably reduced. This finding is important both for subduing the infection and for diagnosis.


[Isolation of Treponemas from the colon of pigs with clinical dysentery]. Optimal culture conditions in artificial nutritive media were determined for a defined avirulent strain of Treponema hyodysenteriae and for four field strains of treponemas in pigs with clinical dysentery. The treponemas were isolated with the use of milliporous filters with pores of 0.3 micrometer in diameter, which were located on the surface of blood agar. No significant difference in the influence of equine, bovine or sheep blood on the growth of treponemas was determined. The commercial amount of glucose in the used media, 2.0 to 2.5 g per 1,000 ml, was quite sufficient for the growth of the treponemas and it was not necessary to increase the amount. After reaching the optimal rate of growth the oxidoreduction potential was diminished by adding cystein or cystein hydrochloride and placing the Petri dishes with the media, prior to inoculation, into an anaerobic medium filled with hydrogen. The suitable composition of the culture atmosphere created in a special anaerostat comprised 0.4 to 1.0% carbon dioxide and the rest being hydrogen. Treponemas grew on the blood agar in zones with very slight hemolysis without forming separated colonies.


[Comparison of the suitability of phase-contrast and immunofluorescence technics in the laboratory diagnosis of porcine dysentery]. Immunofluorescence technique, compared with the method of phase contrast, does not appear to be better for laboratory diagnostics of swine dysentery because neither of these methods can be used for distinguishing between pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains of treponemas. The number of treponemas contained in faeces should still be considered to be the main criterion in laboratory diagnostics. In clinically healthy pigs from stocks which never suffered from dysentery treponemas were found only in few cases and always in small numbers. The numbers of treponemas contained in the faeces of dysenteric pigs were several times higher. Antigenic relationship of one nonpathogenic and three pathogenic strains of Treponema hyodysenteriae was proved by the agglutination and fluoresence methods.


[Effectiveness of paraformaldehyde foam in continuous disinfection of poultry bedding and dried liquid waste of pigs]. In laboratory experiments 24-hour cultures of poultry strains E. coli, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas on paper carriers without an agar coat and with it, after 6-hour exposure in dilutions from 10(-4) to 0, were devitalized by paraformaldehyde foam. The Bacillus strain was devitalized only after 24-hour exposure. After adding paraformaldehyde foam in an amount of 0.6% of the weight into litter under a multiplier flock of layers four months before expedition, and after adding paraformaldehyde foam in an amount of 5% and 10% of the weight into the litter for chick broilers, microbial contamination of the litter did not decrease in comparison with the control. 24-hour old cultures of tested microbial strains on carriers were not devitalized after 24-hour exposure in a mixture to litter and paraformaldehyde foam not even after adjusting the volume ratio of mixing to 1 : 9. The disinfecting effect on microbes growing in End's agar and in blood agar with crystal violet was manifested only after adding dried liquid manure of pigs with paraformaldehyde foam at a volume ratio of 50% to 50% after exposure times of 1, 3 and 6.0 weeks. Despite the excellent results obtained with paraformaldehyde foam in disinfecting test-microbes on carriers in laboratory experiments, practical application at a very low volume weight for continuous disinfection of poultry litter is technically unrealistic.


[Effect of feeding pelleted feed on the level of volatile fatty acids in the digestive tract of sheep]. In an experiment with wethers we investigated the effect of complete pelleted feed ration on the concentration of volatile fatty acids in the rumen and intestinal tract. The animals consumed daily 1,300 g of dry matter of a diet which contained 41.81% of meadow hay, 25.28% of barley, 15.37% of sawdust, 14.98% of molasses, 1.32% of urea and 1.24% of a vitamin-mineral supplement for a period of six months. The pelleted diet increased the total amount of volatile fatty acids, the content of propionic acid and especially the content of butyric acid. There appeared a decrease in the ratio of acetate: propionate. On the basis of the greater energy efficiency of the volatile fatty acid production the animals fed pelleted feed showed a better energy balance. A higher VFA concentration was determined also in the large intestine and the cecum, which proves the importance of fermentation porcesses in these organs.


[Examination of cats for the elimination of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts]. Two hundred and two samples of excrements were investigated for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts. Fifty-two samples were taken from dead domestic cats and a hundred and fifty samples were obtained from wild cats living in various localities of the CSSR. The investigation was orientative and a flotation method with the Breza flotation solution of the specific weight of 1.300 was used. If the finding was positive, residues of the excrements were floated with a saccharose, solution of the specific weight of 1.150 and containing 0.8% of phenol. The oocysts were rinsed several times, then they were sporulated in Petri dishes with water with a 2.5% solution of potassium dichromate. The sporulated oocysts, after rinsing, were injected i. p. to mice. The excrements of the fifty-two domestic cats were negative. Out of a hundred and fifty samples of the excrements of wild cats, one sample with the oocysts of isospore type was found; a biological test with mice proved the oocysts of Toxoplasma gondii. It may be inferred from the results obtained that the elimination of oocysts by cats is the same as given in foreign literature, and the occurrence rate will be about 2%.


Diseases of chelonians: (1) Necropsy survey of tortoises. The results of necropsies of 144 tortoises of 17 species that died in captivity are presented. Intestinal and nutritional disorders (27.0 and 22.2 per cent respectively) were the most common causes of death. Nematode infestations were found in 43.8 per cent, but with exception of a few species the parasites were seldom pathogenic. Infestations with other helminths appear to be very unusual. Protozoan infections were relatively common (at least 22.9 per cent) but protozoa are probably seldom pathogenic. Bacterial infections occurred in 7.6 per cent and no fungal infections were diagnosed. It was tentatively concluded that infections with Salmonella spp are less important in tortoises than in other reptiles in this country. In 34.7 per cent of cases no diagnosis was made.


[Distribution of Sarcosporidia among wild animals in Bulgaria]. A total of 395 wild animals represented by 12 species have been studied over the 1972-1975 period for the presence of sarcosporidia--wild swine, does, hares, jackals, foxes, wild cats, polecats, rats, forest mice, and weasels killed in various regions of the district of Bourgas. Investigated were also several monkeys and wandering dogs. Samples were taken from the muscles of the neck abdomen, hind legs, gut, pharynx, chewing muscles, and hearts to study them for microcysts by the compression method. Sarcosporidia were established in 26.08% of the investigated animals of the following species: wild swine--66.76%, does--71.74%, hares--7.28%, rats--5.50%, and forest mice--10.0%. Most intensive proved parasitizing in does, hares, and swine, and least intensive--in rats and mice. Sarcocysts were found in all investigated viscera, highest being the parasite burden in the heart muscle of a doe. The sarcocyst (microcyst) infection in a particular animal species could be established through investigating the muscles of several organs. All data obtained are given in two tables.


[Evaluation of the immune state of poultry against Newcastle virus via various serological reactions]. Studied were 336 sera of vaccinated and challenged chickens, 76 egg extracts, and 36 birds following challenge for the presence of serum antibodies against the Newcastle disease virus, using the hemagglutination-inhibition reaction, the agar gel diffusion precipitation reaction, and the virus-neutralizing test. The values of the antihemagglutinins, precipitins, and virus-neutralizing antibodies were investigated in relation to the immunobiologic resistance of birds to a velogenic Newcastle disease virus. A correlation was found between the antihemagglutinins and the neutralizing antibodies in broilers, aged 30-60 days, treated with an aerosol vaccine La Sota, and in henlayers treated muscularly with the Komarov vaccine. The presence of antihemagglutinin titers of 1:40 and higher values or positive neutralizing indices in the investigated birds were able to provide immunobiologic protection in challenging with a velogenic virus. Precipitins were detected in the blood sera of the challenged birds, which made reasonable their use as a sign pointing to the passage of a velogenic virus through the birds. The lower number of cases with positive precipitin reactions in the vaccinated birds speaks against using objectively this index for the evaluation of the immunologic status.


[B. cereus count in meat and dairy food products]. Studies were carried out to establish the contamination of some meat and dairy food products with B. cereus. A total of 48 heat-treated sausages (32 perishable and 16 durable) and 64 batches of pasteurized milk were sampled. It was found that 25 per cent of investigated sausage samples contained B. cereus. Perishables proved to a considerable extent more frequently contaminated (33.3 per cent). The count of B. cereus in such products ranged from 10(1) to 10(3) per g. However, pasteurized milk was shown to be still more frequently and to a higher degree contaminated. A suggestion is made to introduce norms concerning the maximum admissible amounts of B. cereus as well as to specify methods for its determination.


Shedding of peripheral cytoplasm - a mechanism of liver cell atrophy in human amyloidosis. A liver biopsy specimen from a case of primary amyloidosis was investigated by electron microscopy. The cytoplasmic periphery of the hepatocytes showed degenerativechanges which are interpreted as indicating shedding of peripheral parts of the cytoplasm. Two main variants of this process could be discerned: 1) Protrusion and sequestration of hernia-like blebs of cytoplasm, and 2) shedding of vesicles derived from degenerated endoplasmic reticulum. In the latter case transient defects of the plasma membrane seem to be relevance. Endoplasmic reticulum and cytoplasmic ground substance appeared to be shed preferentially, whereas mitochondria are retained within the cell. As a consequence the fractional volume of the mitochondria in the cytoplasm of atrophic cells is markedly increased. Shedding of peripheral cytoplasm, therefore, seems to be an effective mechanism enabeling the cell to adapt the mass and the composition of its cytoplasm to an unfavourable environment.


Ruthenium red binding to cell coat in neoplastic neurogenic cell lines in culture. The cell coat of cultivated fetal rat brain cells as well as malignant rat neurogenic cell lines in culture were studied by transmission electron microscopy with the ruthenium red staining technique. Some of the transformed cell lines demonstrated alteration in the bindng properties of ruthenium red to the cell surface. Otherwise no significant correlation between the visualized cell coat thickness and neoplastic transformation was noted.


The effect of DL-2-bromopalmitate on the utilization of palmitic acid by rat granular pneumocytes. The effect of DL-2-bromopalmitate (BrPA), an analogue of palmitic acid (PA), on the utilization of this fatty acid by rat lungs was investigated by a combination of anatomic and biochemical methods. The experiments were performed in vitro on two types of preparations, isolated perfused lungs and lung slices. In the isolated lung preparation the substrate reached the lung via the capillaries, in lung slices via the alveolar epithelium. Electron microscope autoradiography showed that BrPA depressed uptake of PA by granular pneumocytes. Radioactivity recovered by tissue analysis and capture of CO2 established that PA oxidation and incorporation into phospholipids and triglycerides was depressed by BrPA. A close correlation was found between the reduction in radioactivity in phospholipids and the grain density over lamellar bodies. The study shows that BrPA reversibly interferes with the uptake and utilization of long chain fatty by granular pneumocytes. BrPA appears as a useful tool to study palmitate metabolism and surfactant production by the lung.


Studies on cell surface conformation following injury. II. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of cell surface changes following anoxic  injury in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. Exposure of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells to anoxia resulted in rapid and characteristic conformational changes of cell surface topography. Combined scanning and transmission E/M studies revealed rapid alterations including simplification of the cell surface configuration with disappearance of microvilli which were replaced with formation of blebs and recesses at the cell periphery. These surface changes were accompanied by characteristic organelle alterations inside the cells which in this and other cellular systems have been shown to be reversible. Later, the cell surface topography became smoother and monotonic with small blebs and cribriform invaginations in addition to larger eruptions of the cell periphery. Combined transmission E/M studies revealed fragmentation of cellular membrane systems and lysis of organelles indicating the irreversible phase of anoxic injury. The rapid conformational surface changes encountered in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells following anoxia suggest the important role of the plasma membrane and its unfolding as a virtually instantaneous response of the cells to this injury.


Acute fine structural changes in rat hepatocytes induced by a single large dose of 2-acetylaminofluorene. Male rats were given a single intragastric dose of 2-acetylaminofluorene, 600 mg/kg body weight, killed at intervals up to 14 days after treatment, and their hepatic tissue examined by electron microscopy. The early cytoplasmic lesion produced in hepatocytes by lower doses, consisting of perinuclear glycogen pooling, peripheral displacement of organelles and pyknosis, was delayed for several days. Among the changes which appeared to be independent of this lesion were disorganization and decrease of the granular endoplasmic reticulum and abnormalities of the bile canaliculi. These changes were similar to those which are seen during chronic exposure to 2-AAF and other hepatocarcinogens and in hepatic cell tumours.


DNA distribution in biopsy specimens from human cervical carcinoma investigated by flow cytometry. Flow cytometry was used for the investigation of the DNA distribution in biopsy specimens from 51 patients with cervical carcinoma. Portio biopsy specimens from 9 pregnant women and from 10 patients with cancer of the breast served as controls. The results demonstrate that most specimens from patients suffering from cervical carcinoma contain considerable cell populations with increased DNA as compared with controls. The possible clinical significance of these findings is discussed.


[Blastomogenesis in repeated administration of DMBA in rats during different life periods]. Three groups of rats were given DMBA emulsion during different periods of the life. The first group received the carcinogen transplacentally, the second- at the age of three months, the third was given the agent twice during the mentioned terms. The third group showed a summation of the blastomogenic effect which was manifested in the frequency of tumors, including neurogenic, renal and mammary gland tumors, in the index of neoplasms multiplicity as well as in shorter average life terms. The results were compared with pure control findings.


[Possibility of using the urea increment index for assessing the anabolic effectiveness of parenteral nitrogen feeding in toxic hepatitis]. To determine the anabolic effectiveness of nitrous preparations for the parenteral alimentation an urea increment rate in normal albino rats and in the ones with parenchymatous hepatitis was used. With subcutaneous introduction of nitrous preparations moriamine S-2, aminosol, polyamine and of an improved caseine hydrolysate the level of the blood urea was found to attain the maximum in 6 hours. With toxic lesion of the liver the ureogenic function remains intact and, for this reason, this test may be used for assessing the anabolic effectiveness of the preparations with a changed functional state of the liver in different pathological conditions. The urea increment rate may be recommended for determining the biological value of the preparations for nitrogenous parenteral alimentation.


[Significance of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein for the diagnosis of stomach cancer (author's transl)]. In 41 patients with benignant and malignant diseases of the stomach the appearance of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (alpha1sGP) in the gastric juice was recorded quantitatively by radial immunodiffusion and compared with normal serum alpha1sGP by immunelectrophoretic analyzation and by immunodiffusion after after Ouchterlony. In 80.0% of the patients with carcinoma, in 11.8% of patients with gastric or duodenal ulcer and in 28.6% of the patients with gastritis the presence of alpha1sGP could be evidenced in the gastric juice. The appearance of this glycoprotein significantly differed in benignant and malignant diseases of the stomach. A polymorphism of the stomach alpha1sGP compared with normal serum alpha1sGP could not be established by the applied methods. Therefore it is unprobable that the gastric alpha1sGP is originated by the malignoma.


[The use of mycobacteria in the estimation of the concentration of antibiotics, antimycotics and antituberculotics (author's transl)]. The possibility of using the rapid resistance test to determine the levels of antibiotic, antimycotic and antituberculotic drugs is systematically investigated. As a rule the incubation time reduced to seven days for tubercel bacilli results in a lower inhibitor concentration (MIC) than with other microbiological methods used in tuberculosis diagnostics due to a lower inactivation of the drugs. The MIC of antibiotics and antituberculotics is found between 0.02 and 15 microgram/ml; for penicillin G and nystatin between 100 and 400 microgram/ml. Urine added to the medium influences the MIC. A dilution of urine 1 : 100 corresponds to the MIC-value found in a control sample with aqua dest. For examining the level of antibiotic drugs in blood a dilution of the blood of at least 1 : 60 is necessary. In this way the levels of rifampicin and isoniazid may be examined. Only 0.1--0.2 ml of capillary blood are needed. If probenecid is administered simultaneously to the patient the rifampicin level in blood is increased for 6 hours. But this effect is small and does not justify a change in the usual dosage of rifampicin.


[Absorption of a proteolytic enzyme originating from plants out of the gastro-intestinal tract into blood and lymph of rats (author's transl)]. The absorption of the proteolytic enzyme bromelain was investigated in adult rats. Bromelain was labelled radioactively with 125-Iodine and intraduodenally applied. During the observation time of 6 hours blood- and lymphsamples were collected and their radioactivity measured. By radiochromatography high molecular protein could be separated from low molecular protein fragments. By means of a rabbit-anti-bromelainserum bromelain could be identified in the agar-double diffusion technique. Results show that adult rats can absorb bromelain up to 40% in a high molecular form. This observation explains the increased proteolytic activity in serum after oral application as well as the clinical effect concerning the treatment of edema or hematoma.


[Effectiveness of prolonged uterine relaxation by betamimetic drugs for threatened premature labour (author's transl)]. It is statistically proven that long-term administered betamimetic drugs inhibit excessive uterine activity, but for the individual subject the extent of this effect can hardly be predicted. By studying 167 pregnancies treated for threatened premature labour it is confirmed that the success rate of the tocolytic treatment depends strictly on the clinical feature of the condition as observed on admission. By use of a simple scheme for classification of success, correlations with the importance of the syndrome at start of the treatment as well as with the neonatal outcome are established. These correlations thus allow one to determine individually the neonatal chances even at onset of the tocolytic treatment.


[Platelet function during long term inhibition of labour by fenoterol/verapamil (author's transl)]. Platelet function has been studied in 22 patients (methods according to Born and Breddin) during tocolysis with long term administration of intravenous Fenoterol/Verapamil. The extend and speed of platelet aggregation, according to the Born test, were constant in the following 12 days except for a small increase on the second day. The phase of disaggregation remained unchanged. The reaction time to collagen was prolonged up to the 3rd-4th day. Spontaneous platelet aggregation showed a tendency to decrease up to day 3--4; thereafter, there was a return to the original values. The present data show that a hemostatic action in platelet function cannot be expected during long term tocolysis. Thus, there is no evidence that Fenoterol acts as an inhibitor of platelet aggregation in pregnancy.


Nitrates and ectopic ventricular activity in mitral valve prolapse: clinical and experimental data. Three patients with mitral valve prolapse, high grade ventricular arrhythmias and a strong family history of sudden death were studied utilizing continuous Ecg monitoring and intracardiac stimulation and recording techniques. Analysis of 6-hour ambulatory Ecgs revealed frequent premature ventricular beats (PVBs) including repetitive and multiform PVBs in each patient. The electrophysiological studies demonstrated normal parameters of intracardiac conduction and refractoriness providing no evidence for reentrant mechanisms. Acute drug testing with 0.4 mg sublingual nitroglycerin completely suppressed all ventricular arrhythmias. During maintenance therapy antiarrhythmic nitrate efficacy was only partly confirmed monitoring the effects of 4 x20 mg isosorbide dinitrate on 6-hour ambulatory Ecgs. The electrophysiological parameters of intracardiac conduction and refractoriness were not significantly altered by 0.4 mg sublingual nitroglycerin. Experimental data obtained from isolated rabbit atria and canine ventricles revealed no significant action of nitroglycerin in the parameters of cardiac automaticity and conduction including transmembrane electrical activity of normal and hypoxically damaged SA nodal, atrial and ventricular fibers. It is concluded that a) PVBs in patients with mitral prolapse appear related to ectopic automaticity; b)nitrates may suppress ventricular ectopy in these patients; c) antiarrhythmic nitrate efficacy is not related to direct membrane effects.


Mycotoxins in foodstuffs. XII. The influence of the water activity (a-w) of cakes on the growth of moulds and the formation of mycotoxins. The influence of various a-w values (high, moderate and low, e.g. 0.92, 0.87, and 0.82) of cakes ("Rührkuchen", made of wheat flour, sugar, eggs, fat and water) on the development and the mycotoxin production of Aspergillus flavus (aflatoxins), A. versicolor (sterigmatocystin), A. ochraceus (ochratoxin A), Penicillium chrysogenum (citrinin) and P. expansum (patulin) was investigated. None of the moulds was able to germinate at an a-w of 0.82. An increase of the water activity resulted in a pronounced growth of the five fungi. Citrinin was not formed on the cakes at all. The yields of the other mycotoxins were not markedly influenced by the a-w (0.92 or 0.87). During the development of the moulds the a-w of the substrate was lowered at first (water requirement during germination and initial growth) and subsequently increased (initiation of the secondary metabolism).


[Treatment of impending and manifested respiratory distress syndrome in newborn infants using a simple nasal CPAP-system]. The modification of a simple nasal CPAP-system is described. Results in therapy of respiratory distress syndrom with this method are discussed.


[Transfer of a bacterial gene using phage lambda transfecting DNA]. A new amber mutation of phage with the gene coding synthesis of beta-galactosidase was received by recombination. With the help of transfection DNA isolated from this phage the transfer of the gene coding the beta-galactosidase synthesis to the recipient phage-resistant E. coli cell was realized. The suggested model can be used for the gene transfer to the recipient phage-resistant cells or other species of bacteria with transfection DNA.


[Use of microbial cells of Corynebacterium diphtheriae for preparing a nutrient medium]. Nutrient media prepared on the basis of microbial cells (Corynebacteria diphtheriae) proved to be no less nutrient in comparison with conventional media prepared on the full-value food products. Use of diphtheria bacilli (by-products of diphtheria toxoid production) as the basis for nutrient media permitted to use up to 30% less food products for this purpose.


[Serotype characteristics of clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa]. A total of 348 P. aeroginosa strains isolated from patients with pulmonary and pleural diseases were studied, and 87% of the test showed the possibility of their serotyping with the use of group-specific agglutinating antisera. Serogroups II, III, IV were found to be prevalent among the strains isolated from patients with bronchopulmonary pathological states. Correlations between definite groups of P. aeroginosa in their sensitivity to antibiotics were established; thus, the cultures belonging the serogroups II, III, IV were found to be more sensitive to tetracycline annd chloramphenicol than the culture belonging to other serogroups.


[Lysozyme concentration in the loose connective tissue of animals with different species sensitivity to brucellosis]. Lysozyme content was determined in the subcutaneous cellular tissue of guinea pigs and albino rats differing by species resistance to brucella infection. Experiments were conducted on intact animals and those inoculated subcutaneously with live Br. abortus 19-BA vaccine. Connective tissue was taken from the site of the vaccine administration and from the contralateral side (control). Observations showed connective tissue of the animals highly sensitive to brucella infection to be exceedingly poor in this enzyme; as to connective tissue of albino rats with low sensitivity--it contained high amount of this enzyme. Lysozyme content increased considerably in the animals belonging to both species in the inflammatory focus developing at the site of the vaccine inoculation.


[Experience with epidemiologic studies of pyocyaneus infections. I. Feasibility of using serotypes and antibiotic resistance as a epidemiologic label for clinical strains]. The authors carried out serological typing of 98 Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, isolated from patients of burn department of the Sklifosovsky First Aid Institute in January-July, 1974, and of 215 strains obtained from other sources; their sensitivity to 13 antibiotics was determined. Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultures isolated from the patients were typed with O-sera of 10 serological types. The presence of several hospital strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found by means of serological typing; along with these there were revealed cultures of this causative agent sporadically appearing in the department. Sensitivity to some antibiotics could serve as an additional criterion for differentiation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains of the same serological type.


[Comparative study of allergenic fractions extracted from different strains of staphylococci]. Various methods for obtaining staphylococcus allergens were approbated. Biological activity of the preparation proved to depend on the method of obtaining it determining the chemical compostition of the preparation, and on the properties of the strain used. A method of alkaline extraction and a strain with marked pathogenicity signs (strain 209) can be recommended for the preparation of staphylococcus allergen. Biological activity of the allergen in case of its approbation in the same dose by protein on laboratory animals and patients proved to be the same.


Isolation and properties of enzymes involved in prostaglandin biosynthesis. Prostaglandin (PG) endoperoxide synthetase was purified until homogeneity had been attained. The pure enzyme displays both cyclooxygenase and peroxidase activity, in accordance with the work of MIYAMOTO et al. (J. biol. Chem. 252, 2629--2636 (1976)). This enzyme therefore converts arachidonic acid into PGH2. Glutathione S-transferases, in the presence of glutathione, convert PGH2 into a mixture of PGF2alpha, PGE2 and PGD2. A new transferase in sheep lung gives mainly PGF2alpha and PGD2. Isolation and properties of these enzymes will be discussed. Finally, progress will be reported on the isolation of a soluble enzyme from various rat organs such as lung and spleen, which forms almost exclusively prostaglandin D.


Effect of bradykinin on prostaglandin synthetase activity in microsomal fractions from rat duodenum and uterus. The bioconversion of tritiated arachidonic acid by microsomal fractions from rat uterus and duodenum is described. In rat duodenum the formation of both prostaglandin E2 and F2alpha is enhanced by the peptide hormone bradykinin. In contrast, bradykinin inhibits the synthesis of PGE2 in rat uterus.


Suppression of uterine motor activity by prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor Naproxen. Rats were ovariectomized on day 16 of pregnancy and they were fitted with a pressure sensor uterine microballoon assembly and were given a daily dose of Naproxen-sodium. Daily uterine activity recordings were taken and subjected to statistical analysis and the rats were carefully checked for either aborting or delivering their fetuses. Our data showed that Naproxen treatment effectively and significantly prevented the autocatalytic evolution of the uterine motor activity and the regulatory "see-saw" of progesterone and prostaglandins was rebalanced at a lower level.


Hypopituitarism and artificial ventilation. Anterior pituitary gland function was assessed in 50 patients maintained for more than 48 h on a mechanical ventilator. Partial hypopituitarism occurred in 7 patients which did not appear to affect survival and proved transient when subsequently re-assessed. These results indicate that the pituitary infarcts previously reported in such patients are not clinically important.


Dual action of adrenergic system on the regulation of thyrotrophin secretion in the male rat. The effect of graded doses of drugs modifying adrenergic activity on basal and cold-stimulated TSH secretion was studied in male rats. alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine (aMPT) (16 h before 30 min cold-exposure), phenoxybenzamine (1 h), Ca-fusarate (1 h) and diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) (1 and 18 h) dose-dependently depressed the cold-stimulated TSH secretion. The effect of reserpine (24 h) was not significant. Clonidine (1 h), dihydroxyphenyl-serine (DOPS) (1 h), noradrenaline (NA) (1 h), and L-Dopa (1 h) were also effective in decreasing serum TSH levels, but dopamine (DA) (ad 2 mg/kg, 1 h) had no effect. Basal TSH levels were also decreased by various doses of clonidine, DOPS and NA, given ip 1 h before sacrifice. Clonidine (1 mg/kg), NA (1 mg/kg), DA (2 mg/kg), aMPT (300 mg/kg), phenoxybenzamine (2 or 20 mg/kg), Ca-fusarate (50 mg/kg) or L-Dopa (200 mg/kg) did not modify the TRH-induced TSH response. These results cannot be explained by assuming only a stimulatory function for the adrenergic system on the secretion of TSH in the rat. The site of the possible inhibitory function of noradrenaline in the control of TSH cannot be deduced from these results, but various possibilities are discussed.


Effect of stress on the profile of plasma steroids in baboons (Papio hamadryas). Adult baboons (5 males and 5 females) were exposed to immobilization stress by being strapped to a table in a horizontal position for 2 h. In females the experiment was performed during both the follicular and luteal phase. Peripheral blood was withdrawn at frequent intervals, the first sample just before immobilization, and the last one 3 days later. A number of steroids were measured in blood plasma samples by radioimmunoassay (17-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, pregnenolone, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, progesterone, 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone, oestone, oestradiol) or competitive protein binding (cortisol) techniques. The cortisol levels exhibited a marked increase in both sexes. This increase was observed already during the immobilization and lasted for approximately 24 h. A similar, even more pronounced increase was seen in 17-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and pregnenolone levels. A marked, long-lasting (72 h) decrease of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels was a consistent finding in male baboons. This was not observed in the females which, on the other hand, exhibited a marked decrease (duration 48 h) of progesterone and 20alpha-dihydroprogesterone levels during the luteal phase, and a significant decrease (duration greater than 24 h) of oestradiol and oestrone concentrations during the follicular phase. It is concluded that stress has a marked inhibitory action on gonadal function both in male and female baboons. In females and inhibition of steroidogenetic function is exerted both on the ovarian follicles and on the corpus luteum.


[Value of the breath test with cholylglycine C14 in the diagnosis of bacterial contamination in patients with gastric surgery]. The TAE C14 has been evaluated as a diagnostic method of small bowel contamination in a group of patients operated for gastric disturbances. It has been compared with bacterial culture and bile salts chromatogrpahy of jejunum liquid and therapeutic response. 36 patients have been studied and divided in 3 groups: a) negative control: 8 subjects without pathology; b) positive control: 6 patients with intestinal resection and 1 with intestinal scleroderma, all of them with steatorrhea; c) gastric operated patients: 16 BII with and without vagotomy, 3 gastroenteroanastomosis and vagotomy, 1 superselective vagotomy and pyloroplasty and 1 B I, all the patients had steatorrhea, except one with BII. The period elapsed between the operation and the studies varied from 1 to 17 years (X: 4.9 +/- 4.1). The average value of steatorrhea was 23.9 +/- 10.2 g/24 hs. 100% of group b and 80% of group c had abnormal TAE C14. In 80% of the patients of the group c chromatogrpahy was performed and it agreed with TAE C14 in 80% of the studies. Bacteriology was positive in 100% of 18 studies, coinciding with TAE C14 in 70% patients. Therapeutic control of 100% of group c was positive in 90%.