Carbon assimilation by Claviceps purpurea growing as a parasite. Carbon assimilation by Claviceps purpurea, growing as a parasite on cereals, has been investigated by supplying the host plant with 14CO2 in a closed system. The presence of the pathogen induced the plant to exude photosynthate which contained high levels of sucrose. During the period of 14CO2 supply, 14C was incorporated into the sucrose and so the path of carbon into the parasite could be traced. Hexoses, derived by the action of the fungal sucrase on sucrose, were assimilated by the pathogen and largely converted into polyols - mainly mannitol and, to a lesser extent, trehalose. The rate of carbohydrate metabolism decreased with maturation of the ergot, and also showed qualitative differences between the basal and apical regions of the ergot which were probably a function of nutrient supply.


Epilepsy after two different neurosurgical approaches to the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysm. One-hundred-and-fifty-two patients who underwent surgery for intracranial aneurysm were studied to determine the incidence of postoperative epilepsy in relation to the site of the aneurysm and the type of surgical approach. The overall incidence of epilepsy was 22%. Of the 116 patients treated by the intracranial approach 27.5% developed epilepsy, in contrast with only 5% of the 36 patients who had carotid artery ligation in the neck. Epilepsy occurred most frequently (35%) with middle cerebral artery aneurysms, especially if moderate or severe operative trauma was sustained and there was postoperative dysphasia.


Space representation in unilateral spatial neglect. Patients with unilateral brain lesions were given a task requiring exploration of space with the hand in order to assess the visual dependency of unilateral spatial neglect. The task was carried out both without visual control and under visual control. Performances were compared with that of normal subjects. Results were :(1) patients with right brain damage with no visual field defect demonstrated left-sided neglect only when the exploration was not controlled visually; (2) patients with left and right brain damage with visual field defect demonstrated contralateral neglect only when the exploration was under visual guidance. The performance of the patients with right brain damage without visual field defect in not clearly understood. The other results suggest that inner spatial representation remains intact in most cases of spatial neglect. The role of parietal lobe damage in the development of this visually induced phenomenon is hypothesised. The dominant position of vision among the senses is indicated.


Aphasic disorder in patients with closed head injury. Quantitative assessment of 50 patients with closed head injury disclosed that anomic errors and word finding difficulty were prominent sequelae as nearly half of the series had defective scores on tests of naming and/or word association. Aphasic disturbance was associated with severity of brain injury as reflected by prolonged coma and injury of the brain stem.


Lactate dehydrogenase and aspartete transaminase of the cerebrospinal fluid in patients with brain tumours, congenital hydrocephalus, and brain abscess. The diagnostic value of CSF lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate transaminase in cases of brain tumours (except for CSF AST in the benign tumours), congenital hydrocephalus, and brain abscess is established. Tumour cyst fluids show a higher enzymatic activity than does the CSF. The two enzyme estimations do not help in differentiating the supratentorial from the infratentorial tumours. CSF AST is superior to CSF LD in discriminating the malignant and benign tumours, in so far as the AST is increases selectively in malignancy. Estimates of CSF LD are slightly superior to those of CSF AST, both in incidence of abnormality and the degree of their rise.


Neuromyotonia: an unusual presentation of intrathoracic malignancy. A 48 year old woman is described who presented with increasing muscular rigidity and who was found to have a mediastinal tumour. Electrophysiological studies revealed that the muscular stiffness resulted from very high frequency motor unit activity which outlasted voluntary effort, and which was abolished by nerve block. The abnormal activity may have arisen at the anterior horn cell level. Marked improvement followed the administration of diphenylhydantoin.


Cyclic compression of the intracranial optic nerve: patterns of visual failure and recovery. A patient with a cystic craniopharyngioma below the right optic nerve had several recurrences requiring surgery. Finally the cyst was connected with a subcutaneous reservoir by means of a fine catheter. Symptoms of optic nerve compression recurred more than 50 times during the following year, and were relieved within seconds upon drainage of the reservoir. In each cycle, a drop in visual acuity preceded a measurable change in the visual field. The pattern of field changes was an increasingly severe, uniform depression. Optic nerve ischaemia induced by compression was probably the most important factor causing visual failure in this case.


Weakness associated with the pathological presence of lipid in skeletal muscle: a detailed study of a patient with carnitine deficiencey. A patient with muscular weakness demonstrating pathological lipid accumulation and abnormal mitochondria in skeletal muscle has been studied. The lipid accumulation and mitochondrial changes are thought to be related to the established deficiency of carnitine in this patient's muscle. The symptoms of muscular weakness associated with lipid accumulation in the skeletal muscle in the absence of complaint of muscle cramps or myglobinuria are thought to be diagnostic of carnitine deficiency. The failure of the sarcoplasmic reticulum to accumulate Ca2+ is discussed. The patient's strength responded dramatically when propranolol was added to his steroid therapy.


Arterial spasm and recovery from subarachnoid haemorrhage. In a series of 120 cases of subarachnoid haemorrhage due to ruptured intracranial aneurysm the occurrence of preoperative arterial spasm was found to have no effect upon the clinical outcome. After surgery, generalised arterial spasm was found to lead to an increased probability of fatality, and to an increased probability of psychological impariment among the survivors. The occurrence of spasm only in the vessels immediately adjacent to the haemorrhage did not constitute a risk to survival. However, the presence of generalised or localised spasm led to an increased risk of neurological impairment. It is suggested that the mechanisms by which postoperative arterial spasm is responsible for fatalities and for neurological impairment are distinct.


Congenital myasthenia gravis: clinical and HLA studies in two brothers. Two brothers with congenital myasthenia gravis are described. In both, ptosis and ophthalmoplegia responded poorly to oral anticholinesterase therapy and to thymectomy. The brothers had two different HLA haplotypes and neither had the HLA-A1-B8-DW3 haplotypes which are commonly associated with myathenia gravis in adult-onset cases.


Toxic polyneuropathy of shoe-industry workers. A study of 122 cases. The toxic polyneuropathy observed in a group of shoe-industry workers in Italy was clinically characterised by a symmetrical prevalently distal motor deficit, with occasional marked weakness of pelvic girdle muscles, and frequently by only subjective sensory symptoms; non-specific disturbances usually preceded neurological signs. Subclinical cases of 'minimal' chronic neuropathy, characterised by alterations of a neurogenic type in the EMG without a reduction of motor nerve conduction velocity, were also observed. Worsening of the clinical picture, with further lowering of nerve conduction velocity, was noted in some cases up to four months after removal from the toxic environment. In the most severe cases clinical recovery took up to three years. The electromyographic and electroneurographic features were consistent with a mixed axonal neuropathy, with clear prevalence of the damage in the distal part of the nerve (dying-back neuropathy). Volatile substances, such as n-hexane and other low boiling point hydrocarbons found in high percentage in solvents and glues, are suggested as the causative agent.


Common peroneal nerve palsy: a clinical and electrophysiological review. In a series of 70 patients (75 cases of common peroneal nerve palsy) the common causes were trauma about the knee or about the hip, compression, and underlying neuropathy. A few palsies occurred spontaneously for no apparent reason. The prognosis was uniformly good in the compression group; recovery was delayed but usually satisfactory in patients who had suffered stretch injuries. In the acute stage, when clinical paralysis appears to be complete, electrophysiological studies are a useful guide to prognosis. They may also indicate an underlying neuropathy and they detect early evidence of recovery. The anatomical peculiarities of the common peroneal nerve are noted and aspects of the clinical picture, management, and prognosis of palsy are discussed.


Cauda equina syndrome in ankylosing spondylitis: a report of six cases. Six patients with ankylosing spondylitis and features of a cauda equina syndrome are described. The myelographic findings are discussed in relation to the pathogenesis of the disorder and its natural history. Present experience suggests that the cauda equina syndrome is a more common complication of ankylosing spondylitis than is usually thought.


Lipoma of the corpus callosum.

Lipoma of the corpus callosum. Lipoma of the corpus callosum is a rare congenital condition, often asymptomatic, but which may present as epilepsy, hemiplegia, dementia, or headaches. This paper reviews the condition and reports the only two cases which are known to the Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, London. The second case demonstrated the value of computerised axial tomography (EMI scan) in making the diagnosis and showing associated anomalies.


Spinal reflexes and the concentrations of 5-HIAA, MHPG, and HVA in lumbar cereborspinal fluid after spinal lesions in man. Descending bulbospinal pathways that employ specific neurotransmitter substances are known to be capable of modulating segmental reflex activity in the experimental animal. To determine whether this might also occur in man correlations have been sought between the activity in spinal reflex pathways and the lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA), 3 methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), and homovanillic acid (HVA) in 12 patients with complete or virtually complete spinal lesions. The concentrations of 5-HIAA and MHPG in lumbar CSF ARE REDUCED AFTER COMPLETE OR VIRTUALLY COMPLETE SPINAL LESIONS IN MAN. This may occur within 18 days of the lesion. MHPG concentrations appear to be inversely related to the level of the lesion. The HVA concentration in lumbar CSF is reduced when there is obstruction of the CSF pathways. No relationship could be demonstrated between the concentrations of 5-HIAA or MHPG in lumbar CSF and the activity in the spinal monosynaptic pathway (estimated from the proportion of the motoneurone pool activated by the Achilles tendon reflex or H reflex) or the activity of a spinal inhibitory mechanism (estimated by the degree of vibratory inhibition of the monosynaptic reflex). Patients with a tonic vibration reflex (TVR) tended to have higher MHPG levels. There appeared to be an association between low CSF HVA and enhanced vibratory inhibition of the monosynaptic reflex in the nine patients whose spinal lesions were complete.


Free sialic acid levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with meningitis. The free and bound sialic acid content of cerebrospinal fluid from patients with positive evidence (by CSF culture) of pyogenic and tuberculous meningitis was determined. The free sialic acid content was significantly raised only in cases of pyogenic meningitis, but not in tuberculous or other types of the disease.


Blepharospasm-oromandibular dystonia syndrome (Brueghel's syndrome). A variant of adult-onset torsion dystonia? Thirty-nine patients with the idiopathic blepharospasm-oromandibular dystonia syndrome are described. All presented in adult life, usually in the sixth decade; women were more commonly affected than men. Thirteen had blepharospasm alone, nine had oromandibular dystonia alone, and 17 had both. Torticollis or dystonic writer's camp preceded the syndrome in two patients. Eight other patients developed toritocollis, dystonic posturing of the arms, or involvement of respiratory muscles. No cause or hereditary basis for the illness were discovered. The evidence to indicate that this syndrome is due to an abnormality of extrapyramidal function, and that it is another example of adult-onset focal dystonia akin to spasmodic torticollis and dystonic writer's cramp, is discussed.


Anticonvulsant-induced dyskinesias: a comparison with dyskinesias induced by neuroleptics. Anticonvulsants cause dyskinesias more commonly than has been appreciated. Diphenylhydantoin (DPH), carbamazepine, primidone, and phenobarbitone may cause asterixis. DPH, but not other anticonvulsants, may cause orofacial dyskinesias, limb chorea, and dystonia in intoxicated patients. These dyskinesias are similar to those caused by neuroleptic drugs and may be related to dopamine antagonistic properties possessed by DPH.


Incidence of deep vein thrombosis and leg oedema in patients with strokes. In a series of 26 patients with strokes 13 had deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the leg, demonstrated by fibrinogen scanning. In 10 patients the thrombosis was in the paralysed leg but the degree of paralysis was unrelated to the tendency to develop DVT, which usually occurred about the third day. Leg oedema in 10 patients was unrelated to the DVT.


Headaches related to sexual activity.

Headaches related to sexual activity. Twenty-one patients experienced headache related to sexual activity. Two varieties of headache could be distinguished from the clinical histories. The first, developing as sexual excitement mount, had the characteristics of muscle contraction headache. The second, severe, throbbing or 'explosive' in character, occurring at the time of orgasm, was presumably of vascular origin associated with a hyperdynamic circulatory state. Two of the patients with the latter type of headache had each experienced episodes of cerebral vascular insufficiency on one occasion which subsequently resolved. A third patient in this category had a past history of drop attacks. No evidence of any structural lesion was obtained on clinical examination or investigation, including cerebral angiography in seven patients. Eighteen patients have been followed up for periods of two to seven years without any serious intracranial disorder becoming apparent. While the possibility of intracranial vascular or other lesions must always be borne in mind, there appears to be a syndrome of headache associated with sexual excitement where no organic change can be demonstrated, analogous to benign cough headache and benign exertional headache.


Recovery from anterograde and retrograde amnesia after percutaneous drainage of a cystic craniopharyngioma. A case is reported of a cystic craniopharyngioma involving the floor and walls of the third ventricle. Pronounced anterograde and retrograde amnesia were documented preoperatively by formal testing. Rapid improvement in both new learning capacity and remote memory occurred after percutaneous twist drill drainage of the cystic portion of the tumour. The relevance of these observations to the amnesic syndrome and its neuropathological basis is discussed.


Large cerebral vessel disease in sickle cell anaemia. An 18 year old male with documented sickle cell disease was admitted to the hospital for the final time in coma. Cerebral angiography revealed multiple stenotic lesions of the large cerebral vessels. The pathology of this large vessel involvement is demonstrated and the potential contribution of large as opposed to small cerebral vessel disease in the neurological manifestations of sickle cell anaemia is discussed.


'Oblongata' crises in tabes dorsalis.

'Oblongata' crises in tabes dorsalis. A patient in the pre-ataxic stage of tabes dorsalis suffered from gastric crises, but in addition had numerous episodes of apnoea and coma which in the older literature have been described as 'oblongata crises'--the presumption being that the crises are due to a brain stem disturbance.


Effect of succinic semialdehyde on seizure caused by vitamin B6 antagonists. Since gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is known to be an effective anesthetic adjuvant in animal and a natural metabolite of succinic semialdehyde (SSA), the effect of SSA and GHB on the convulsive action of vitamin B6 antagonists was studied using the onset of seizure as a parameter. The administration of SSA and GHB to mice protected them against the convulsive action of B6 antagonist, such as castrix (2-chloro-4-dimethyl-6-methylpyrimidine), thiosemicarbazide, or penicillamine. The anticonvulsant effect of SSA seems to be due to an increase in brain levels of GHB converted in vivo from SSA.


Factors affecting liver lipid content in pyridoxing-deficient rats. I. Dietary protein levels. Effects of choline fortification and various dietary protein levels on liver lipid content in pyridoxine-deficient rats were studied. Choline fortification did not prevent the accumulation of liver lipids in pyridoxine-deficient rats. Considerable accumulation of liver lipids was observed in the 70% casein pyridoxine-deprived group. Reducing the protein level in the diet decreased the extent of lipid accumulation. A highly negative correlation was found between liver lipid content and liver GPT activity, indicating that the fatty infiltration of the liver may be intimately related to the pyridoxine deficiency state. The time course of fatty liver induction upon feeding of a 70% casein pyridoxine-deficient diet was also studied. The liver lipid content increased gradually and reached the highest value by the third week with a concomitant decrease in food intake. Effect of change of dietary compositions on fatty liver caused by 70% casein pyridoxine-free diet was examined. Feeding of a 70% casein pyridoxine-supplemented diet or a 20% casein pyridoxine-free diet caused decreases in the liver lipids.


Body weight change and nitrogen efficiencies in growing and adult rats fed diets containing various proportions of essential amino acids to total amino acids. By using amino acid mixtures, a comparative study of nutritional effects of dietary essential amino acid proportions (EA %) has been made between growing and adult rats. Included were adult rats which were repleting from an 8-day protein depletion. It was shown that for growing rats at least 55 EA% was required to attain the maximum values of growth, nitrogen balance, nitrogen balance efficiency (nitrogen balance/nitrogen intake) and protein efficiency ratio (PER). The maximum biological value was found to be 94 at the 50 EA% level. For adult rats, at least 40 EA% was required to gain the maximum values of nitrogen balance and nitrogen balance efficiency under both maintenance and repletion. The biological values were found to be nearly 60 and 80 for maintenance and repletion, respectively.


Measurements of urinary pantothenic acid excretions of alcoholic patients. Malnutrition is often associated with alcoholism. Nutritional deficiencies found in alcoholic patients are mostly related to protein and B-vitamins. The purpose of this study was to determine whether pantothenic acid nutrition is altered in patients with prolonged intake of alcohol. Urinary pantothenic acid was measured in alcoholic patients during three intervals in a 10-week rehabilitation period. Pantothenic acid excretion of alcoholic patients revealed a lower excretion in an acute phase of the disease (2.7 mg/day) than reported excretion of normal individuals (3.9 mg/day). Inadequate intake of nutrients may have been a contributing factor. In chronic alcoholic patients who participated in a 10-week rehabilitation program, excretion approximated intake at the beginning of the period (6.6 mg/day) and decreased to less than one-half this amount (2.7 mg/day) at the end of the rehabilitation. It may be speculated that alcoholic patients, in general, are unable to utilize pantothenic acid from the diet efficiently, but as they are rehabilitated, more of this vitamin is retained in the body for useful functions.


Metabolic response to a pantothenic acid deficient diet in humans. The responses of human subjects to a low pantothenic acid test diet and to the same diet supplemented with 10 mg pantothenic acid daily for 63 days were observed. Pantothenic acid in urine and blood and also nitrogen balance were used as criteria for nutritional evaluation. The mean daily urinary pantothenic acid excretion decreased from 3.05 to 0.79 mg in male adult subjects fed a pantothenic acid deficient diet and increased from 3.95 to 5.84 mg in 4 subjects fed a 10 mg supplemented diet from the beginning to the end of 63-day study. Subsequently, a test dose of 100 mg of pantothenic acid was given to both groups for a 7-day period. Subjects previously deprived of pantothenic acid retained 63% of the test dose on the first day of the test period in contrast to 48% retained by supplemented subjects. On the 7th day, both groups retained approximately 40% of the dose. While in general, blood pantothenic acid levels decreased in unsupplemented subjects and remained constant in supplemented subjects, blood pantothenic acid responded less readily to intake than urinary pantothenic acid. Nitrogen retention tended to be higher in supplemented subjects than in those deprived of dietary pantothenic acid.


Some characteristics of the dihydrofolate synthetase from Serratia indica. Dihydrofolate synthetase (EC 6.3.2.12) from Serratia indica IFO 3759 require a divalent cation and a univalent cation for its activity. The divalent cation requirement was satisified by magnesium ion, manganese ion or ferrous ion. High activity was obtained with 5 mM of magnesium ion. The effect of manganese ion was weak. The univalent cation requirement was satisfied by potassium ion, ammonium ion or rubidium ion, and high activity was obtained with 100 mM of each univalent cation. Increase in the potassium concentration lowered Km values for dihydropteroate and L-glutamate, and raised V max for ATP and dihydropteroate. Potassium ion had little effect on Km value for ATP. These results suggest that potassium ion may function on the affinities of dihydropteroate and L-glutamate to the enzyme. Dihydrofolate synthetase was inhibited by the addition of reduced forms of homopteroic acid. Stronger inhibition was observed by dihydrohomopteroate than by tetrahydrohomopteroate.


Effects of penicillamine on the contents of B6 vitamers of the mouse brain. The contents of B6 vitamers were measured in the brains of mice treated with DL- and D-PeA. When a single convulsant dose of DL-PeA was injected, PLP content was decreased, being accompanied with production of PLP-thiazolidine. The effect of DL-PeA on PLP content was evident far before the occurrence of the convulsions. The administration of PN together with DL-PeA prevented the onset of seizures and lessened the effect of DL-PeA on PLP content. The same amount of D-PeA did not invoke seizures, but caused a small but significant decrease in PLP content.


Effect of individual amino acid supplements on the toxicity of excess tyrosine in rats. The object of this study was to determine the effects of individual amino acid supplements on the development of tyrosine toxicity in growing rats fed 10% casein containing 5% tyrosine. Each amino acid was added at levels equivalent to its content in 20% casein. Supplement of methionine to the high tyrosine diet partially alleviated both growth depression and pathological lesions. Threonine and cystine had a somewhat beneficial effect, but the single addition of other amino acids was not effective. Besides, some amino acids enhanced the severity of the toxicity even more. The effects of methionine supplementation were highest at 0.66 to 1.32% levels (equivalent to the methionine content in 20 to 40% casein). By the supplement of both 0.66% methionine and 0.90% threonine to the high tyrosine diet, growth was significantly improved and toxic lesions were completely prevented. It was confirmed that the counteracting effects to the toxicity, caused by the extra addition of protein (casein) to rats fed a high tyrosine-low protein diet, were mainly attributed to the effectiveness of the methionine and threonine, i.e., first-and second-limiting amino acids, respectively, contained in it.


Selective release of lysosomal enzymes from cell populations containing multinucleate giant cells. Both peritoneal macrophages and cell populations containing multinucleate giant cells have been shown to release preferentially acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase. In both instances the relative proportion of the released enzyme is the same and is higher than the release of cytoplasmic LDH indicating that cell death is not the major cause of the released hydrolases. Stimulation with heat aggregated IgG increases both the specific activity/mg of soluble cellular protein as well as the relative proportion of the released enzyme. Populations containing multinucleate giant cells, however, release a higher relative proportion of acid phosphatase than beta-glucuronidase which may indicate that lysosomes with a lower beta-glucuronidase content may be involved. Such a selective release of lysosomal material may aid the extracellular degradation of closely opposed undigestible material in instances of granulomatous inflammation.


Ultrastructure of the haemophilic synovial membrane and electron-probe X-ray analysis of haemosiderin. An ultrastructural study of the haemophilic synovial membrane revealed the presence of solitary siderosomes, compound siderosomes and a peppering of the cell cytoplasm with electron-dense particles. These changes were found in synovial intimal cells, subsynovial macrophages and fibroblasts. Electron-probe X-ray analysis of siderosomes revealed the presence of iron and traces of phosphorus. On the basis of previous and present studies it is postulated that haemosiderin is essentially a condensate of hydrated ferric oxide and that a variable amount of phospholipid material lies in company with it in the siderosome.


The morphometry of the glomerular epithelial cell and its foot processes after the injection of bovine serum albumin or egg albumin. The intraperitoneal injection of 1 g of bovine serum albumin daily for 5 days was shown by electron-microscope morphometry to cause swelling of the glomerular epithelial cells and very severe loss of foot processes. However, these changes were found in only 70 per cent. of glomeruli and the other 30 per cent. remained normal. After 7 days' recovery following five daily injections of 1 g of bovine serum albumin, the swelling of the glomerular epithelial cells had subsided and the foot process reappeared. These changes were accompanied by severe proteinuria which resolved only slowly when the injections were stopped. After daily injections of 0-8 g of egg albumin for 5 days there was no swelling of the glomerular epithelial cells and only very slight loss of foot processes detectable only by morphometry. There was a less severe proteinuria than after injections of bovine serum albumin and it resolved more rapidly when injections were stopped. It is suggested that these differences arise from the fact that bovine serum albumin is reabsorbed by the glomerular epithelial cell but egg albumin is not. Two of four rats allowed to recover for 7 days after five daily injections of 1 g of bovine serum albumin had unusual glomerular lesions.


Mesangial cell cytoplasm and glomerular disease. In this study we have examined mesangial cell cytoplasm as seen by light microscopy of plastic embedded renal biopsy material. An assessment of mesangial cell morphology has been made in each of the 350 renal biopsies, and this has been correlated with the disease process. A surprisingly close correlation with the type of disease present was demonstrated. Thus it appears that an increase in mesangial cell cytoplasm correlates with an active process involving the mesangial area. It is suggested that the index of mesangial cell reactivity may be useful in diagnosis of glomerular disease processes.


The effects of tumour extract on macrophage proliferation in lymph-nodes. Injection of a soluble tumour extract induces mitosis in sinus macrophages of the draining lymph-node. This is not abolished by irradiation; the stimulus also induces monocytosis somewhat later. These findings make it likely that the stimulus induces mitosis in the resident lymph-node macrophage population.


Transference of para-amino-hippurate from the mother to the amniotic fluid. There are few studies in which substances mainly cleared by the kidney are injected to the mother and the time course of their concentrations in amniotic fluid is analyzed. This type of studies may contribute to the knowledge of the transference of substances through the mother-fetus-amniotic fluid complex. Thirteen pregnant women were studied. Eleven with normal term pregnancies, and the remaining two mothers were at the 36th week of gestation and their fetuses were dead. A saturation dose of para-amino-hippurate (PAH) (8 mg/kg) was administered intravenously to all subjects. This dose was followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 380 mcg/min/kg during 30 minutes in 11 mothers. In one of the remaining subjects, the infusion rate was 240 mcg/min/kg during 160 minutes and in the other, it was 50 mcg/min/kg for 450 minutes. Samples of maternal blood and amniotic fluid were simultaneously obtained, before PAH administration and at variable intervals thereafter. In mothers with live fetuses, PAH concentration in amniotic fluid increased not only during the infusion but also for at least two hours after its interruption (Fig. 2, Tab. I). When the infusion lasted enough and with stabilized PAH concentration in maternal plasma, amniotic fluid concentration of PAH attained higher values than in the mother (Fig. 1). Disappearance of PAH from amniotic fluid was very slow (45% in 5 hours) (Fig. 2). In cases with dead fetuses, the pattern of PAH concentration in amniotic fluid was completely different. The highest concentration was observed already in the first sample at the end of the infusion. From there on, no increment was recorded, and as soon as maternal blood concentration fell below the values of amniotic fluid, PAH began to disappear from this compartment at a much faster rate (45% in 1 hour) (Fig 3). The progressive rise of PAH in amniotic fluid may be explained as follows: (Fig. 5). PAH diffuses from maternal blood to fetal blood through the placenta. The fetal kidney removes PAH from fetal blood and concentrates it in urine. Periodic fetal micturition causes the rise of PAH in amniotic fluid. PAH may return from amniotic fluid to fetal blood mainly because of fetal swallowing; and the larger part of this PAH will be again excreted by the kidney into the amniotic compartment. This mechanism would explain the slow disappearance of the substance from amniotic fluid after the end of the infusion, and also the lack of correlation between concentrations in maternal plasma and amniotic fluid. Diffusion of PAH between blood and amniotic fluid may also exist through the walls of the vessels of the ovular membranes and the vessels of the umbilical cord; this mechanism would play a minor role in the concentration of PAH in amniotic fluid in subjects with live fetuses. Our results also show that mean PAH concentration in amniotic fluid increases as a linear function of time until 150 minutes after the onset of PAH administration to the mother (Fig. 4).


Comparative prognostic value of serum placental and tissue oxytocinase, alkaline phosphatase and its heat-stable fraction in pregnancy at neuroendocrinological risk. Serum enzyme determinations are now well-established diagnostic tools in so-called "placental insufficiency". A good predictability of oxytocinases (P-CAP-placental oxytocinase and T-CAP-tissue oxytocinase) and a doubtful one of those of phosphatases (AP-alkaline phosphatase, HSAP-heat stable alkaline phosphatase) has been shown in high-risk pregnancies. The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic value of the above cited enzymes in the so-called "pregnancy at neuroendocrinological risk", i.e. pregnancy in women with a prepregnancy history of hormonal disorders. It was shown that the outcome and results of such pregnancies are poorer that those of normal pregnancies. The series studied comprised 364 pregnant patients with pregnancy at neuroendocrinological risk that were being monitored by means of serum assays of the four enzymes. An attempt was made to assess each of these enzyme activities both in single (at least one value below 2.5 percentile calculated for healthy subjects) and serial determinations (two consecutive results decreasing or remaining at the same level). Normal and abnormal enzyme results were compared with normal and abnormal conditions of the newborn. The results presented showed that P-CAP (Tab. I) and T-CAP (Tab. II) levels were useful in prenatal diagnosis of fetal impairment in heneral, in addition to perinatal mortality and low values of the APGAR score. Neither the single nor serial assays of AT (Tab. III) and HSAP (Tab. IV) were valuable in predicting birth of an impaired neonate. Sensitivity of the test, i.e. percentage of women with abnormal enzyme assays among those patients who gave birth to impaired neonates, and specificity of the test, i.e. the percentage of women delivered of impaired neonates among all women with abnormal enzyme assays, of the four enzymes were compared. Sensitvity and specificity of P-CAP and T-CAP were higher than those for AP and HSAP. Moreover, sensitivity for all four enzymes was higher in serial assays, and specificity was higher in single assays. The results of the present analysis demonstrated the prognostic value of oxytocinase assays also in the pregnancy at neuroendocrinological risk. Assays of P-CAP and T-CAP were of equal significance, notwithstanding reports of a greater usefulness of P-CAP. Assays of CAP were helpful particularly in the conditions on which neuroendocrinological gestosis exerts a direct influence, i.e. in low Apgar score and perinatal mortality. On the other hand, serum alkaline phosphatases proved useless in endocrine pathology of pregnancy and HSAP was not superior to AP. About one half of future mothers of impaired neonates had enzyme results outside the range of the assays under consideration. This could be explained by the fact that these enzymes activities reflect placental function and are not directly related to fetal metabolism. Because of that they should be supplemented by other diagnostic methods being used in a clinic of high-risk pregnancy.


A descriptive method for automatically analysing uterine forces during labor. In recent years many authors have considered evaluation of uterine contractility by means of analysis of amniotic fluid pressure variations. The reason for this is the introduction in obstetrical management of equipment for the recording of amniotic fluid pressure variations which is a powerful facility for clinical investigation, particularly, if it is considered that previous research has been based upon clinical evaluations and measurements carried out by extra and intra-uterine manometers. Important results of these studies are the definitions of two labor indices, the Montevideo unit (defined as the sum of the maxima of the pressure signal of all uterine contractions during a time interval of ten minutes) and the Alexandria unit (which also takes into account the duration of the contraction:this unit corresponds to the Montevideo unit multiplied by the mean value of the duration of the considered contractions). It is very difficult, however, in fact almost impossible, to summarize the evaluation of labor as the only indes. Many parameters which characterize the shape, frequency and tone of contraction patterns, may be themselves important and could indicated the presence of pathological elements. At present it is not well known which parameters are useful. Since many different sets of parameters can be chosen to characterize the signal, the first point is to determine which is more important clinically. The aim of this paper is to study a procedure of intrauterine pressure signal analysis, which allows the description of uterine contraction by a set of parameters that is interesting for research purposes during labor and suitable for continuous monitoring. The set of parameters was chosen in order to repeat quantitatively the qualitative analysis which a physician can make by a simple inspection of the pressure signal oscillogram. Visual examination of the tocograph results is a clumsy means for evaluating labor performed by an experienced physician. It may appear that the pressure starts "suddenly" (or not) to increase and rises "quickly" (or "slowly"), then it maintains "high" (or "low") mean values for a "long" (or "short") time, with "smooth" (or "irregular") behaviour, then it decreases "quickly" (or slowly, until "suddenly" (or "smoothly") it reaches its basal level, whd the beginning of another uterine contraction is "long" (or "short", during this time the pressure is "almost" constant (or has a "drift" and/or presents "many irregularities"). Therefore the 25 chosen parameters replace quantitatively the above qualitative evaluations. These  parameters are not put forward to indicate directly the presence of pathological facttor, but summarize all the interesting clinical aspects of the contraction waveform for research and monitoring purposes. The parameters are extracted using a pattern recognition algorithm based on a structural representation of the contraction (Tables I, II, V)...


Dip area in fetal heart rate and its relationship to acid-base-observations of fetus and mother during labor. The relationship between dip area (DA) of fetal heart rate (FHR) and the acid base status of fetus and mother during the first and second stage of labor were studied on 39 women at term. The observations reveal a significant correlation between the fall in fetal base excess (BE) and the measured DA: deltaBE = 0.01 - 0.143 DA (2alpha less than 0.01). There is no difference in the correlation of these parameters between the first and the second stage of labor despite the fact of a greater fall in BE and a greater DA per time compared to the first:BE meq/1/10min. 0.14 (SD 0.26) and 0.76 (SD 0.62); DA cm2/10 min. 0.99 (SD 1.19) and 4.28 (SD 3.06), respectively. With increasing DA the variance of the fall of fetal BE (S2BE) rose also: DA of 0-5 cm2: S2BE 0.66; DA greater than 15.1cm2:S2BE 3.76. With the fall in fetal BE there was also a fall in maternal BE, more pronounced during the second stage of labor:-BEF=0.38.DELTA BEM-0.70(2alphaless than 0.01). The fraction of the fall in fetal BE per DA increased with the fall in maternal BE (2alpha less than 0.05). This correlation reveals that there might be a slight influence of maternal BE on fetal BE. The present observation shows that measuring DA serves only as an approach to predict fetal condition during labor. It therefore should be combined with fetal scalp blood sampling. The influence of maternal BE on fetal BE seems to be only of less importance.


The effects of betamimetic drugs used for tocolysis on the fetal myocardium. During the last five years tocolysis with betamimetic drugs, e.g. Fenoterol has become a standard method for the treatment of impending premature births. We studied the effect of Fenoterol in vitro on organ cultures of human fetal hearts. At a concentration in the nutrient medium corresponding to the dose used in clinical application, light and electron microscopy demonstrated myocardia damage. In contrast the combined use of Fenoterol and the calcium antagonist Verapamil in a ratio of 1:40 showed no pathological findings either clinically or in vitro. The results are documented with light and electron photomicrographs.


The effects of choice and enhanced personal responsibility for the aged: a field experiment in an institutional setting. A field experiment was conducted to assess the effects of enhanced personal responsibility and choice on a group of nursing home residents. It was expected that the debilitated condition of many of the aged residing in institutional settings is, at least in part, a result of living in a virtually decision-free environment and consequently is potentially reversible. Residents who were in the experimental group were given a communication emphasizing their responsibility for themselves, whereas the communication given to a second group stressed the staff's responsibility for them. In addition, to bolster the communication, the former group was given the freedom to make choices and the responsibility of caring for a plant rather than having decisions made and the plant taken care of for them by the staff, as was the case for the latter group. Questionnaire ratings and behavioral measures showed a significant improvement for the experimental group over the comparison group on alertness, active participation, and a general sense of well-being.


The sources of external work in level walking and running. The work done at each step during level walking and running to lift the centre of mass of the body, Wv, and to increase its forward speed, Wf, and the total mechanical energy involved (potential + kinetic) Wext, have been measured at various 'constant' speeds (2-32 km/hr) with the technique described by Cavagna (1975). 2. At intermediate speeds of walking (about 4 km/hr) Wv = Wf and Wext/km is at a minimum, as is the energy cost. At lower speeds Wv greater than Wf whereas at higher speeds Wf greather than Wv: in both cases Wext/km increases. 3. The recovery of mechanical energy, through the pendular motion characteristic of walking, was measured as (/Wv/ + /Wf/ - Wext)/(/Wv/ + /Wf/): it attains a maximum (about 65%) at intermediate speeds. 4. A simple model, assuming that in walking the body rotates as an inverted pendulum over the foot in contact with the ground, fits the experimental data better at intermediate speeds but is no longer tenable above 7 km/hr. 5. In running the recovery defined above is minimal (0-4% independent of speed), i.e. Wext congruent to /Wv/ + /Wf/: potential and kinetic energy of the body do not interchange but are simultaneously taken up and released by the muscles with a rate increasing markedly with the speed (from about 1 to 4 h.p.). 6. Wext increases linearly with the running speed Vf from a positive y intercept owing to the fact that Wv is practically constant independent of Vf. On the contrary, Wf = aVf2/(1 + bVf), where b is the ratio between the time spent in the air and the forward distance covered while on the ground during each step.


Responses of abdominal vascular capacitance in the anaesthetized dog to changes in carotid sinus pressure. 1. The abdominal circulation of anaesthetized dogs was vascularly isolated without opening the abdomen, by cutting or tying all structures immediately above the diaphragm and tying the proximal ends of the hind limbs. The region was perfused at constant flow through the aorta and drained at constant pressure from the inferior vena cava. 2. Vascular resistance responses were expressed as the changes in perfusion pressure and capacitance responses were determined by integrating changes in vena caval outflow. 3. Decreasing the pressure in the isolated carotid sinuses over the whole baroreceptor sensitivity range increased mean perfusion pressure from 91 to 149 mmHg (a 67% increase in resistance) and decreased mean capacitance by 111 ml. (5 ml. kg-1). 4. The range of carotid sinus pressures over which capacitance responses occurred was at a significantly higher level than the corresponding range for resistance responses. 5. Comparison of the reflex responses with the responses to direct stimulation of efferent sympathetic nerves shows that quantitatively similar responses of resistance and capacitance to those induced by a large step decrease in carotid pressure could be produced by stimulating maximally the efferent sympathetic nerves at 5 Hz. These results also suggest that at all levels of carotid sinus pressure there is no difference in the impulse traffic to resistance and capacitance vessels.


[Need of thyroxine in chronic effects of growth hormone (GH) on phosphorus and calcium metabolism of female adult rat (author's transl)]. The object of the present work was to determine the part played by thyroxine (T4) in chronic effects of GH on phosphocalcium metabolism. Therefore, we used hypophysectomized-thyroparathyroidectomized female rats. The results were that: 1. Repeated daily administration of GH to female rats which had been operated on was not followed by the hyperphosphatemia classically observed in normal animals. GH always decreased urinary calcium and phosphorus excretion, indicating a direct renal effect of this hormone, irrespective of blood variations in the ions. 2. Chronic administration of infra-physiological doses of L-thyroxine (0.25 mug/100 g per day) enabled one again to obtain in operated rats the increase of phosphatemia specifically due to GH. 3. With the doses of GH and thyroxine used in these experiments, the blood calcium level of rats which have been operated on decreased. In conclusion, GH intervenes directly in phosphocalcium metabolism and it helps maintain a high phosphatemia. Thyroxine permits this last mentioned effect.


[Fat and glucose mobilization in the hypophysectomized rabbit (author's transl)]. 1. The metabolic behaviour of the fed hypophysectomized rabbit is quite different from that of the fed normal rabbit, i.e. in the hypophysectomized rabbit we found lasting hypoglycemia and a persistent high lipid plasma level. 2. Fasting induced a large and fast decrease in plasma glucose level which led to a coma; simultaneously it appeared that the hypophysectomized rabbit could not mobilize its adipose stores and that it quickly used up its plasma lipids, among them the essential fatty acids. In contrast, fasting in the normal rabbit induced a large fat mobilization from fat stores and the saturated fatty acids were essentially used, but at the same time plasma glucose remained near the level of control value. 3. Our in vitro results showed the important effect of synacthen in the lipolytic process of isolated fat cells.


[Induction in the newborn and maintenance in adulthood of a "male-type" growth or "female-type" growth depends on the nature of gonadic secretion (author's transl)]. The influence on the growth of the presence of testosterone or estradiol at some stage of development was investigated from birth to adult age (90 days). 1. The presence of the androgenic molecule in the newborn organism, regardless of genetic sex (intact males, males orchidectomized at 9 days and neonatally injected orchidectomized males; neonatally injected intact and ovariectomized females), starts up a growth acceleration six weeks later. 2. The presence of the estrogenic molecule during this same period (neonatally injected intact and ovariectomized females; neonatally injected orchidectomized males) decreases the growth rate when animals come into puberty. 3. The development of the adult is immediately accelerated by androgen (excitatory effect) or reduced by estrogen (inhibitory effect). On the contrary, the effects of sex hormones present in the early postnatal period appear much later (inductive effect). Therefore, the activity patterns of sex hormones change with age: in the adult, androgen increases anabolism and estrogen decreases food intake; in the newborn, an undifferenciated mechanism responsible for growth is organized into "a male type" by androgen or "female type" by estrogen. The nature of this mechanism is discussed.


[Endogenous catecholamines and excitability of the superior cervical ganglion of the rat (author's transl)]. 1. The excitability of the superior cervical ganglion of the rat, as measured by homosynaptic facilitation, was enhanced after a three-day administration of guanethidine (fig. 1) or reserpine (fig. 2). 2. The excitability of the superior cervical ganglion of the rat was not diminished after a three-day treatment with L-Dopa, Benseraside (Ro 4-4602/1) and Iproniazid, at a dosage below the toxic level (table I). 3. The enhancement of ganglionic excitability is assigned to the action of the drugs upon the catecholamines of the chromaffin cells (and their processes) present in the superior cervical ganglion. 4. Except for alpha-methyl-meta-tyrosine, the drugs which were used did not cause any ultrastructural changes on the granules and vesicles of the chromaffin cells (fig. 4). 5. Alpha-methyl-meta-tyrosine did not enhance the ganglionic excitability, but damaged the Golgi complex, the mitochondria and the granules of the chromaffin cells, especially in the para-hilus area. The more peripheral chromaffin cells showed much less ultrastructural damage.


[Effect of normobaric and hypobaric hypoxia on norepinephrine turnover in the rat heart (author's transl)]. 1. After administration of 3H norepinephrine (NE), the turnover rates of NE were determined by the decrease in radioactivity. 2. Rats were housed by groups in chambers and either maintained as controls or exposed to a hypoxic environment (PIO2 = 90 torr). The turnover rates of NE were not altered by normobaric hypoxia (fig. 1, table I). 3. Hypobaric hypoxia (barometric pressure was reduced to 500 mm Hg and PIO2 was 105 torr) increased the turnover rates of NE (fig. 2, table II). 4. The role of the sympathetic nervous system during exposure to hypoxia in Rats is discussed with regard to functional adaptation.


[Influence of pressure and duration of perfusion on functional properties and hemodynamics of isolated kidneys from dogs (author's transl)]. 1. Changes in functional properties and hemodynamics of isolated kidneys were analysed with special regard to pressure and duration of perfusion. Observations were compared between pairs of kidneys taken from the same animal and placed in identical experimental situations, but respectively perfused at a pressure level of either 100 mm Hg or 160 mm Hg. 2. A method using 133Xenon wash-out to measure renal blood flow, suppressing early recirculation, is described. 3. Changes in functional properties were towards decreases of glomerular filtration and tubular transfer. Hemodynamic changes proceeded from decreases of total and regional renal vascular resistance. Both functional properties and hemodynamic changes were larger as the duration of the pressure of the perfusion became greater. 4. Renal blood flow was different when measured with an electromagnetic flowmeter and by the 133Xenon wash-out technique. Practical applications, theoretical basis and results of the latter method are criticized. 5. Possible mechanisms by which high perfusion pressure hastens and increases functional and hemodynamic changes of isolated kidneys are discussed.


[Electroencephalographic activity of a fish (Anguilla anguilla L.) exposed to various hyperbaric conditions (author's transl)]. 1. As a continuation of previous work where our methods were fully described (Barthelemy et al., J. Physiol., Paris, 1975, 70, 173-183), the present paper consists of research on EEG activity modifications in the eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) submitted to different hyperbaric conditions (fig. 1). 2. In contrast with mammals, the fish makes it possible to isolate the specific effects of per se pressure: those were researched to a maximum pressure of 101 ATA. Slow and sharp-pointed theta waves appear on EEG tracings of the telencephale, and especially of the tectum opticum (fig. 3), at pressures reaching or beyond 21 ATA, and then they dissappear gradually at higher pressures (101 ATA). The comparison between these effects of per se pressure on the EEG of the fish and the modifications of the EEG of mammals under hyperbaric conditions drives the authors to assume that per se pressure plays a part in the determinism of High Pressure Nervous Syndrome as described for mammals. 3. When submitted to a 21 ATA pressure (below the threshold of per se pressure effects), but when the water and his organism are satured with the N2-O2 mixture (99-1%), the fish shows no EEG modifications to be attributed to inert gas and similar to the EEG symptoms of inert gas narcosis described for mammals when exposed to the same inert gas partial pressures (fig. 5).


[Effects of temperature and light variations, and of radiothyroidectomy on body weight regulation in the European hamster (Cricetus cricetus) (author's transl)]. Regain of body weight in European Hamsters after fasting was investigated at various periods of the year and under different ambient conditions (fig. 1) with and without radiothyroidectomy. 1. Weight gain after food deprivation proceeds at rates which vary with the season. It is faster in spring and summer than in winter. 2. Variations in ambient temperature and in light conditions do not influence the daily weight gain and the relative rate of weight increase (fig. 2,3). 3. Radiothroidectomy depresses these two parameters in winter as well as in spring, and lowers the level of the set point of the regulating mechanism (fig. 4,5).


[Wall rheology and arterial hydrodynamics: theoretical and hydromechanical models (author's transl)]. Recent results in research on transport of macromolecules between blood and the arterial wall have shown that endothelial cells are very sensitive to mechanical events localised in the flow boundary layer. Cardiac pressure waves of finite amplitude are characterized by non linear propagation phenomena in which the fluid-wall interaction plays an important role through the wall rheology. Different models of the mechanical behavior of arterial wall have been studied and their influence on blood flow field have been analysed.


[Seminoma of the ovary. Clincopathological study. The role of radiotherapy in treatment based upon a series of 31 cases (author's tranls)]. The authors collected a series of 31 cases of seminoma of the ovary over a period of 12 years. Statistical data, including the results of of lymphography, indicate that the prognosis is good, the application of strict rules in treatment being an essential condition. Certain patients with a pure seminoma of the ovary (20% of cases) die despite early and appropriate treatment. Such a fatal outcome occurs usually during the first 18 months. The prognosis in such cases may be explained in part by the degree of extension initially but the course in certain patients, fortunately rare, is quite dramatic. This can be explained neither on the basis of the histological type nor any inadequacy in therapy. Some special unknown factor must be involved. In general combined surgery and radiotherapy, adapted to the degree of extension of the disease, give the best change of definitive cure and, for the majority of patients, an entirely normal life from a feminine and maternal standpoint. This possibility of combining cure with conservation remains the basis of treatment of seminoma of the ovary in favourable cases.


[Radiotherapy for carcinoma of the cervix by intermittent sessions with deferred loading using Cobalt 60 or Caesium 137 (author's transl)]. Fractioning in gynaecological radiotherapy is a tolerance factor which may usefully be exploited in after loading. The advantage of fractioning is that it makes it possible to considerably increase the output of the projection apparatus (Curietron) and to avoid protection of the rooms : the patient retains the applicator in situ during the hospital stay and her bed is simply taken into the protected application room. With a source of 1 to 1.5 curie of cobalt, the author proposes twice-daily sessions of around ten minutes for ten days. Treatment may easily be given in the cobaltotherapy chamber. Using Caesium, it is necessary to protect only one room with a virtually two-fold increase in output since 10 to 12 hour treatments, either by day or by night, may be given. This very supple schedule makes it possible to modify dose and tolerance in relation to clinical conditions and the method of treatment (combined radiotherapy and surgery or radiotherapy alone). As far as axial vaginal source introducer is concerned, it is of prove, effectiveness as well as being easy to use. After describing the applicator, the source-carrier and the isodoses, the authors reviews the different methods of application, relying upon two previous studies of the influence of fractioning and protraction on tolerance (J. SWYNGEDAUW, 1975 and 1976).


[Study of the effectiveness of collection of cylindrical ionisation chambers irradiated in the pulsed radiation beams of a linear accelerator (author's transl)]. The difference of potential of supply of ionisation chambers is often inadequate to collect all the ions formed under the effects of a pulsed ray. The authors thus decided to determine the effectiveness of the collection of ions in one of the types of cylindrical ionisation chambers used most commonly at present in calibrating teleradiotherapy beams : Nuclear Enterprises chambers type 2505/3 A and 3 B. They determined essentially the value of effectiveness of the collection of ions using lithium borate, a thermoluminescent dosimeter the response of which is independent of dose up to very high flow rates. In the case of a pulsed ray emitted at constant frequency, it is easy to evaluate the dose delivered by impulsion and then compare the values obtained experimentally with those calculated using theoretical formulae such as Boag's formula. By contrast, in the case of an accelerator equipped with an electromagnetic sweep system of the beam in order to ensure a homogeneous dose of electrons, instantaneous flow doses (dose/impulsion) are difficult to evaluate by virtue of the sweep and variables from one type of energy to another. The authors thus sought an empirical method making it possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the collection of ions, knowing the energy of the incident electron beam and the dose flow indicated by the ionisation chamber receiving its usual supply tension. The results of this study as a whole show not only that it is essential to take into account the recombination of ions when ionisation chambers are used to calibrate the irradiation beams of new accelerators for medical use, but also that the effectiveness of the collection of ions is dependent upon the electronic equipment associated with the chamber.


[Time factors factors in radiotherapy. Introduction (author's transl)]. The role of time factors, the fractioning and spread of irradiation, continue to occupy an important place in conference, symposia and meeting of radiotherapists and our own Society has followed this tradition by devoting to the subject this session of the Journées de Radiologie 1975. The problem is a constant feature of everyday clinical practise. Whilst the majority of radiotherapists are prudently attached to the traditional method of 5 sessions per week, they are frequently forced to change this rhythm for pathological reasons, the personal convenience of the patient or problems with apparatus. The association of transcutaneous and curietherapeutic irradiation adds new parameters  : the rate of the curie-therapy, the relative contribution of the 2 methods of irradiation, their sequence and the interval which separates them. Poor results of radiotherapy in certain situations indicates the possible value of determining whether other methods of the distribution per session and in time might lead to an improvement. Under these numerous circumstances, one is led to compare different forms of irradiation and to assess their possible biological differences. Objective description of the type of irradiation may be limited to the contents of the treatment sheet. However this does not easily express the biological quantity of the irradiation. As soon as the differences between two types of irradiation involves two parameters, they can no longer be effectively compared. The usefulness of a single figure to express the biological value of irradiation is obvious. With this aim, Cohen proposes calculation of levels of cell survival resulting from irradiation and extracts the parameters of this calculation from clinical results published in the literature. By similar analysis, Ellis has deduced the overall role of time factors which is expressed by the simple relation of the N.S.D., which has itself been at the origin of other expressions seeking to be more convenient and universal. Thus various solutions to the problem are available to radiotherapists. However a wide degree of disagreement exists between them, increasing with differences between the forms of irradiation...


[Time factors in human skin desquamations (author's transl)]. A clinical study of human skin desquamation has provided the variation of the isoeffect curve as a function of the fraction number and overall time. These results have been compared to ELLIS formula (N.S.D.). These results have been compared to relationships related to intestinal mucosa and lung. Differential effects are put in evidence between these tissues as a function of fractionation and overall time. Such differential effects are likely to exist between tumors and normal tissues; however the basic data are still missing for optimizing the time factors of the therapeutic irradiations.


[Applications of the normal standard dose in clinical practice]. On the basis of experience in the François-Baclesse Centre, the practical consequences of the application of the N.S.D. of Ellis are reviewed and in particular : -- the effects of overdose and subdosage in the volume irradiated; -- interpretation of dose at the site of complications; -- the definition of doses of tolerance in critical organs; -- the establishment of optimal dosimetry in the treatment of skin cancers. Despite the approximate character of the exponents used by Ellis and the theoretical discussions which his formula may provoke, it is concluded that it provides the radiotherapist at the present time which a good practical guide and that, within the limitations of the study presented, the clinical results fall within expectations.


Isoeffect exponents for the production of dose-response curves in squamous cell carcinomas treated between 4 to 8 weeks. A scattergram diagram was made of controls and failures of treatment of squamous cell carcinoma in the tonsillar fossa on log-log paper coordinates of doses and treatment times. An exclusion line with an exponent of 0.30 was hand-drawn with all failures below the line. The same methodology has been used for the squamous cell carcinomas of the glosso-palatine sulcus and the base of the tongue. Isoeffect curves were obtained for lesions of all sites of the oropharynx with an exponent of 0.30 for the tonsillar fossa, 0.35 for the glossopalatine sulcus, and 0.38 for the base of the tongue. GHOSSEIN, using the least square method, obtained a curve with a slope of 0.33 for the squamous cell carcinomas of the supraglottic larynx. One can conclude that dose equivalents calculated from the equation D = D.T0.33 can be used as a first approximation in the squamous cell carcinomas of the upper respiratory and digestive tract treated between 4 to 8 weeks. It does not mean that a dose given in 4 weeks is clinically equivalent to a dose given in 7 weeks, derived from the isoeffect curve.


[The importance of fractioning in radiotherapy for Hodgkin's disease (author' transl)]. The dose considered necessary to adequately treat Hodgkin's disease lesions is 4,000 rads in four weeks. The different possibilities of fractioning this dose may have a direct effect upon late tolerance to this type of irradiation. On the one hand, the authors determined the single equivalent doses for each type of fractioning according to ELLIS, COHEN and J. DUTREIX, and secondly calculated the number of sessions necessary in order to come as close as possible to the dose equivalent to 5 times 200 rads. For example, it emerges that 15 sessions of 250 rads, i.e. 3,750 rads, and 10 sessions of 330 rads, i.e. 3300 rads are equivalent to 20 times 200 rads, i.e. 4,000 rads in 26 days for healthy tissue. The authors finally established for each reference system a graph making it possible to determine according to the type of fractioning and for a spread of 26 days the total dose necessary to obtain the same effects as 4,000 rads delivered in 20 sessions of 200 rads.


[Twice daily fractioning : application in the irradiation of severe skin neoplasms (author's tranls)]. 14 very extensive skin cancer (T4) were treated with twice daily X-ray therapy (5 days per week, total dose 6,000 to 8,000 rads). 13 successful results were seen with follow-up for more than 14 months.


[Results of concentrated curative radiotherapy in skin epitheliomas and bladder tumours (author's transl)]. So-called concentrated irradiation (3,000 rads in 5 sessions spread over 1 month or 4,000 rads over 7 sessions during 2 months) gave disappointing results in skin carcinomas (14 recurrences out of 17 cases treated), and encouraging results in patients with carcinoma of the bladder (46 cases, with results apparently comparable to those obtained with classical fractioned irradiation).


[Semi continuous low rate irradiation by telecobalt (author's transl)]. The current status of knowledge regarding low rate telecobalt irradiation does not permit any definitive conclusions. However, it has shown that this technique of irradiation, on condition that it is given in two fractions separated by three weeks, is without major risk for healthy tissue, the tolerance of skin being particularly remarkable, and with immediate very satisfactory results on the tumour. Strict statistical comparison will be necessary, however, if a final judgment is to be made. Thus a study group of the O.E.R.T.C. has decided to undertake a comparative study between classical fractioned irradiation and semi-continuous low rate irradiation. The trial involves only cancers of the base of the tongue he has began in January 1976.


[A universal remote afterloading projector for gynecological curietherapy (author's transl)]. The Gynatron is a remote after loading system for gynecological radioactive applications. It allows the responsible personal to manually load the sources from outside of the patient's room. It's main advantages are: 1 degree A mechanical breakdown is virtually impossible because of the absence of a motorized system. 2 degrees It can be used with all types of applicators and all types of radium substitutes. The system described was used with cesium sources and Fletcher applicators. The radiation protection remains optimal during the treatment of the patient as well during the manipulation of the sources from the fixed to the mobile safe (Gynastock) as when there is a need to change the loading.


[Arthrography of the fingers and carpus in inflammatory rheumatic conditions (author's transl)]. Arthrography before isotope synoviorthesis of the fingers and wrists was carried out in 185 patients suffering from inflammatory rheumatic conditions. Signs of synovitis were found in approximately 80 per cent of cases and were accompanied by rupture of the synovial capsule (70 per cent) and capsular retraction (in advanced forms). Lymphatic passage was seen in 30 to 40 per cent of cases. Two interesting points may be emphasised: 1 degrees Arthrographic lesions may precede bone erosion. 2 degrees The contrast medium fills the eodes and erosions in active forms. Arthrography, which is essential to satisfactory synoviorthesis, is also of diagnostic and prognostic value.


[Dacryography in the repair of the lacrymal pathways (author's transl)]. Dacryography is the only means of exploring the permeability of the lacrymal ducts and to conclude as the whether watering of the eyes is organic or functional. Pre-operatively, it is indispensable in order to orientate the surgical intervention, it is definitely indicated if there is a relapse of watering of the eyes. The appearance of new surgical techniques, such as the use of venous or arterial grafts, has given rise to a new interest in this technique, which up to now had been considered as an exceptional investigation.


[Space of initial distribution of transferrin labeled with indium 113m (author's transl)]. The over-estimate of plasma volume noted at the time of the substitution of iodine 131 labeled human serum albumin by indium 113m transferrin, probably results from a defective fastening of the radionucleide on the binding protein and not at all from a particular behavior of this last one as it has often been admitted.


[Bilateral xantogranulomatous pyelonephritis (author's transl)]. The authors report a rare case of bilateral xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis with pseudokystic appearance. Renal angiography is essential in establishing the diagnosis.


[A duodenal schwannosarcoma with hepatic metastases (author's transl)]. The authors present a case of duodenal schwannosarcoma, a rare tumor revealed by an ordinary dyspeptic syndrome. Radiological examination of the stomach revealed the presence of an internal paraduodenal diverticular picture. Arteriography showed the hypervascularized tumor as well as its extension and hepatic metastases.


The assessment by doctors of the effectiveness of drugs. There was no significant difference between the assessments by two groups of randomly-selected general practitioners on the effectiveness of the drug treatment for 19 common clinical conditions. The treatment of simple iron deficiency anaemia was considered the most effective and gained the highest consensus. Least effective, but not matched by worst consensus, was the drug treatment for obesity. The most widespread disagreement among the practitioners was for the effectiveness of the drug treatment of gastroenteritis.


A mathematical approach to epidemic control. A mathematical model of an influenza epidemic which occurred in 1961 is suggested. The mathematics imply conclusions on the practical control of similar outbreaks. This is a technique applicable to one general practice.


Radiography in the home.

Radiography in the home. Modern portable x-ray units are light enough to be easily carried to the ill patient in his home; their output is sufficient for radiographs containing useful diagnostic information to be made of the chest, hip, and other regions, especially if a grid is employed. The skull is considered to be beyond the range of this method of examination, because of the long exposure times required, but gross lesions can be demonstrated in the oesophagus and stomach if barium is given. The radiation hazard is not considered to be a contraindication if appropriate precautions are taken.


A classification of permanent and significant disease for general practitioners. A new simple classification of diseases seen in general practice is described. The system applies only to permanent conditions or those of continuing medical importance. It is not based on numerals from the International Classification of Disease nor on the College classification but includes a mnemonic. The system is easily adaptable.


Influence of molecular variations of ionophore and lipid on the selective ion permeability of membranes: II. A theoretical model. The steady-state electrical properties induced by neutral carriers of ions in lipid bilayer membranes and the time dependence of the membrane current for low applied voltages are described theoretically in terms of a model which allows for a voltage dependence of the interfacial reactions, as well as for a trapezoid shape of the internal free energy barrier for translocation of the complex. The basic features of the model are closely related to those of others presented previously (J.E. Hall, C.A. Mead & G. Szabo, 1973, J Membrane Biol. 11:75; S.B. Hladky, 1974, Biochim, Biophys. Acta 352:71, S.B. Hladky, 1975, Biochim, Biophys. Acta 375: 327; Eisenman, Krasne & Ciani, 1975, Ann. N.Y. Acad, Sci. 264:34), but the analysis of its consequences on the steady-state and nonsteady-state electrical characteristics is given here in greater detail and is extended to provide the expression for the zero-current potential in ionic gradients. It is shown that parameters, such as the width of the trapezoidal barrier, the plane of the reaction and the ratio constant of translocation across the membrane interior to the rate of constant of dissociation of the complex, can be deduced from steady-state analysis, whereas the individual values of these constants and the distance between the equilibrium positions of the complexes are deducible from relaxation measurements.


Permeability of sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane. The effect of changed ionic environments on Ca2+ release. Permeability properties and the effects of a changed membrane potential on Ca2+ release of sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles of rabbit skeletal muscle were investigated by Millipore filtration. The relative permeability of sarcoplasmic reticulum to solutes determined under conditions of isotope exchange at equilibrium and/or under conditions of net flow of solute and water into the vesicles was as follows: sucrose, Ca2+, Mn2+ less than gluconate-, choline+, Tris+ less than methanesulfonate- less than urea, glycerol, K+, Na+,Li+, Cl-. Transient membrane potentials were induced by rapidly changing the ionic environment of the vesicles. Knowledge of the relative permeation rates of the above ions allowed prediction of the direction and extent of membrane polarization. Osmotic effects in the polarization measurements due to the rapid influx of solute and water into the vesicles were minimized by using media containing a fast (K+ or Cl-) and a relatively slow (gluconate- or choline+) penetrating ion. 45Ca2+ efflux from vesicles derived from different parts of the sarcoplasmic reticulum structure was not appreciably changed when vesicles were made more positive inside (choline chloride leads to potassium gluconate) or more negative inside (potassium gluconate leads to choline chloride). These studies suggest that part or all of the ion-induced changes in sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane permeability, previously interpreted to indicate "depolarization" -induced Ca2+ release, may be due to osmotic effects.


Reconstitution in planar lipid bilayers of a voltage-dependent anion-selective channel obtained from paramecium mitochondria. We have incorporated into planar lipid bilayer membranes a voltage-dependent, anion-selective channel (VDAC) obtained from Paramecium aurelia. VDAC-containing membranes have the following properties: (1) The steady-state conductance of a many-channel membrane is maximal when the transmembrane potential is zero and decreases as a steep function of both positive and negative voltage. (2) The fraction of time that an individual channel stays open is strongly voltage dependent in a manner that parallels the voltage dependence of a many-channel membrane. (3) The conductance of the open channel is about 500 pmho in 0.1 to 1.0 M salt solutions and is ohmic. (4) The channel is about 7 times more permeable to Cl- than to K+ and is impermeable to Ca++. The procedure for obtaining VDAC; AND THE PROPERTIES OF THE CHANNEL ARE HIGHLY REPRODUCIBLE. VDAC activity was found, upon fractionation of the paramecium membranes, to come from the mitochondria. We note that the published data on mitochondrial Cl- permeability suggest that there may indeed be a voltage-dependent Cl- permeability in mitochondria. The method of incorporating VDAC into planar lipid bilayers may be generally useful for reconstituting biological transport systems in these membranes.


Influence of membrane potential on the sodium-dependent uptake of gamma-aminobutyric acid by presynaptic nerve terminals: experimental observations and theoretical considerations. Sodium, potassium and veratridine were tested for their effects on the uptake of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by pinched-off presynaptic nerve terminals (synaptosomes). As noted by previous investigators, the uptake from media containing 1 mum GABA ("high-affinity" uptake) is markedly Na-dependent; the uptake averaged 65 pmoles/mg synaptosome protein x min, with [Na]0=145mm and [K]0=5mm, and declined by about 90 percent when the external Na concentration ([Na]0) was reduced to 13mm (Na replaced by Li). The relationship between [Na]0 was GABA uptake was sigmoid, suggesting that two or more Na+ ions may be required to activate the uptake of one GABA molecule. Thermodynamic considerations indicate that with a Na+/GABA stoichiometry of 2:1, the Na electrochemical gradient, alone, could provide sufficient energy to maintain a maximum steady-state GABA gradient ([GABA]i/[GABA]0) of about 104 across the plasma membrane of GABA-nergic terminals. In Ca-free media with constant [Na]0, GABA uptake was inhibited, without delay, by increasing [K]0 or by introducing 75mum veratridine; the effect of veratridine was blocked by 200 nm tetrodotoxin. The rapid onset (within 10 sec) of the veratridine and elevated-K effects implies that alterations in intra-terminal ion concentrations are not responsible for the inhibition. The uptake of GABA was inversely proportional to log [K]0. These observations are consistent with the idea that the inhibitory effects of both veratridine and elevated [K]0 may be a consequence of their depolarizing action. The data are discussed in terms of a barrier model (Hall, J.E., Mead, C.A., Szabo, G. 1973. J. Membrane Biol. 11:75) which relates carrier-mediated ionic flux to membrane potential.


An assessment of hypothesis testing in mentally retarded adolescents. Groups of educable and trainable institutionalised retarded adolescents were tested on a discrimination learning problem with a modified blank trials procedure in an attempt to measure their hierarchy of hypotheses. Results indicated that the hierarchy and size of initial hypothesis sets varied as a function of degree of retardation. Trainable retarded subjects had fewer hypotheses, and initially chose position hypotheses predominantly. Under discriminate reinforcement, most of these were readily switched to stimulus dimension hypotheses, which they retained during additional non-discriminate (100 per cent) reinforcement trials. Educable retarded subjects predominantly chose stimulus dimension hypotheses initially, and most of these switched to position hypotheses during either discriminate or non-discriminate reinforcement trials.


Acquisition and cross modal generalization of receptive and expressive signing skills in a retarded deaf girl. A transfer of stimulus control procedure was used to teach a retarded deaf girl manual signing skills. Eight manual signs were trained in the receptive modality; eight others in the expressive modality. Acquisition of receptive and expressive signing skills occurred for most signs after they had been trained in multiple baseline order. There was a marked difference in cross modal generalisation between each of the trained signing modalities. With some exception training of receptive sign discrimination had little effect on the expressive usage of these signs. In contrast, training in the expressive usage resulted in a near perfect acquisition of receptive sign discrimination.


Task difficulty and motor performance in severe subnormality. Three groups of subjects (mentally subnormals, normal adults, and normal children) performed on the pursuit rotor apparatus on two separate occasions. The first involved ten trials with the rotor revolving at 15 rpm, the other ten trials being performed at the more difficult speed of 30 rpm. The results tentatively suggest that IQ, and not MA, is the critical factor involved in the intelligence-complexity interaction in pursuit rotor performance, since the subnormals were most adversely affected by an increase in task difficulty. The implication of this conclusion for the direction of future research is discussed.


Eyelid conditioning and intellectual deficit: role of CS duration, US intensity and US mode. When two separate and independent organizations must work together to accomplish a mutual task, difficulties often arise which remain poorly understood. The analysis of intergroup phenomena involves an exploration of interaction within and between groups; such relationships include problems arising from differences in tasks, structure, and culture of the two groups, definition of the intergroup task, choice of group representatives, and the possibilities and problems of dual group membership for the negotiators. While the literatures on group process and organization development contain some work on intergroup phenomena (e.g., Aldrich, 1971; Baker and O'Brien, 1971; Klein et al., 1971; Mills, 1975; Walton, 1972), much conceptual work remains to be done. We will focus upon one type of intergroup relationship--that between a traditional human service organization and a social movement group--in which dual membership is a particular problem, and in which conflict may be neutralized by the form of the negotiations. A case example of an interaction between a mental health center and a women's liberation group will provide one example of such negotiations. The analysis is presented within the framework of the open system model of Miller and Rice (1967) and Ric's general model of intergroup relations (1965, 1969).


Skin thickness in cutis verticis gyrata and mental retardation syndrome. To study the distribution of the skin involvement in the cutis verticis gyrata and mental retardation (CVG-MR) syndrome skin thickness was determined radiographically on the flexor aspect of the forearm of ten patients with this syndrome. The skin of patients was thicker than that of normal controls but the difference was quite significant (1.4 +/- 0.4 mm versus 1.1 +/- 0.2 mm; p less than 0.05). When the analysis was applied to males only, the difference was statistically significant (1.5 +/- 0.3 versus 1.1 +/- 0.2 mm; p less than 0.01). There was no difference in skin thickness between the primary and miscellaneous forms of the syndrome. The findings suggest generalised skin involvement in the CVG-MR syndrome.


Particle size-shape distributions: the general spheroid problem. I. Mathematical model. The development of stereological methods for the study of dilute phases of particles, voids or organelles embedded in a matrix, from measurements made on plane or linear intercepts through the aggregate, has deserved a great deal of effort. With almost no exception, the problem of describing the particulate phase is reduced to that of identifying the statistical distribution--histogram in practice--of a relevant size parameter, with the previous assumption that the particles are modelled by geometrical objects of a constant shape (e.g. spheres). Therefore, particles exhibiting a random variation about a given type of shape as well as a random variation in size, escape previous analyses. Such is the case of unequiaxed particles modelled by triaxial ellipsoids of variable size and eccentricity parameters. It has been conjectured (Moran, 1972) that this problem is indetermined in its generally (i.e. the elliptical sections do not furnish a sufficient information which permits a complete description of the ellipsoids). A proof of this conjecture is given in the Appendix. When the ellipsoids are biaxial (spheroids) and of the same type (prolate or oblate), the problem is identifiable. Previous attempts to solve it assume statistical independence between size and shape. A complete, theoretical solution of the spheroids problem--with the independence condition relaxed--is presented. A number of exact relationships--some of them of a striking simplicity--linking particle properties (e.g. mean-mean caliper length, mean axial ratio, correlation coefficient between principal diameters, etc.) on the one hand, with the major and minor dimensions of the ellipses of section on the other, emerge, and natural, consistent estimators of the mentioned properties are made easily accessible for practical computation. Finally, the scope and limitations of the mathematical model are discussed.


Recognition and classification of structure by means of stereological methods in neurobiology. The problem of measuring fine structure of individual particles without losing information on largescale characteristics of particle arrangement is discussed. With the help of stereological and pattern recognition methods a possible solution of this important problem is introduced. The domain specimen for which the brain serves as an example is characterized by two main properties. One of them being the position dependent 'aggregate characteristics' (distribution of neurons within the specimen), the other position invariant 'single cell characteristics' (structural properties of single neurons). It is shown that by simultaneous observation both properties together cannot be detected with sufficient accuracy by conventional methods. This is the decisive problem of 'correlation microscopy'. The method described in this paper is based on selection of the most informative variables and selection of subdomains (e.g. sections and reference planes). This results in a very general probabilistic concept in modern stereology, offering solutions to complex structure classification problems in biology.


N, N'-carbonyldiimidazole-induced diketopiperazine formation in aqueous solution in the presence of adenosine-5'-monophosphate. 3'(2')-O-glycyl-adenosine-5'-monophosphate is an intermediate in the conversion of N-[imidazoly-(1)-carbonyl]-glycine to diketopiperazine in the presence of adenosine-5'-monophosphate. The significance of these observations to prebiotic chemistry is discussed.


Functional aspects of hemoglobin evolution in the mammals. Comparative studies of red cells 2, 3 Diphosphoglycerate (DPG) and its effect on hemoglobin oxygen affinity from a taxonomically diverse set of mammals indicate two anomalous groups: members of the superfamilies Bovoidea (Actiodactyla) and Feloidea (Carnivora). In both taxa all of the individuals assayed had very low or unmeasurable quantities of DPG and red cell lysates with little, if any, DPG effect as measured by the change in oxygen affinity in the absence and presence of the phosphate. However, in both groups compensatory changes have occurred in hemoglobin structure and function so as to reduce the native oxygen affinity and thus cause them to resemble the hemoglobins of DPG-utilizing mammals as they occur in the setting of the red cell. We conclude that this parallelism of function is the result of convergent evolution.


Similarities among ribosomal RNA's of angiospermae and gymnospermae. Competitive hybridization of ribosomal RNAs was used to estimate similarities of nucleotide sequences between species of Angiospermae and Gymnospermae. Similarities have been measured with respect to Cucumis sativus. In Angiospermae the nucleotide sequences are highly conserved except in the species of the family of Compositae, where the percentages of similarity are clearly lower. In the Gymnospermae the lowest similarity has been observed with Torreya californica. A relationship is hypothesized between conservation of rRNA nucleotide sequences and evolutionary position of the species.


Solution of a gene divergence problem under arbitrary stable nucleotide transition probabilities. A nucleic acid chain L nucleotides in length, with the specific base sequence B1B2....BL, each Bi being A, G, C, or T, is defined by the L-dimensional vector B = (B1, B2, ..., BL), the kth position in the chain being occupied by the base Bk. Let pBB, be the twelve given constant nonnegative transition probabilities that in a specified position the base B is replaced by the base B' in a single step, and let P(X)BB, be the probability that the position goes from base B to B' in X steps. An exact analytical expression for P(X)BB' is derived. Assuming that each base mutates independently of the others, an exact expression is derived for the probability P(X)BB' that the initial gene sequence B goes to a sequence B' = (B'1, B'2; ..., B'L) after X = (X1, X2, ..., XL) base replacements, where Xk is the number of single step base replacements in the kth position. The resulting equations allow a more precise accounting for the effects of Darwinian natural selection in molecular evolution than does the idealized but biologically less accurate assumption that each of the four nucleotides is equally likely to mutate to and be fixed as one of the other three. Illustrative applications of the theory to some problems in biological evolution are given.


Unimodality, symmetry and the step-state hypothesis of electrophoretic variation in natural populations. The population frequency distributions of electromorphs of polymorphic loci, when ordered by electrophoretic mobility, tend strongly and significantly to be both unimodal and symmetrical. Such distributions are predicted by all step-change models and their generality in published data can be construed as supportive of the step-change hypothesis. On the other hand, unimodality and symmetry might also be due to artifactual "unit perception" biases that affect the interpretation and reporting of electrophoretic data. In any case, it appears that perceived electromorphs are highly heterogeneous.


Electrophoretically silent alleles in a finite population. The expected number of silent alleles in an electromorph is computed for various values of population size (N), mutation rate (u), and sample size (s) under the assumption of no selection. The proportion of alleles undetectable by electrophoresis is higher when Nu is large than when this is small.  It is shown that an electromorph of high population frequency has more silent alleles than an electromorph of low frequency if the sample size is the same.


Genital measures: comments on their role in understanding human sexuality. This paper discusses the use of genital measures in the study of both applied and basic work in human sexuality. Some of the advantages of psychophysiological measures are considered along with cautions concerning unwarranted assumptions. Some of the advances that are possible in both applied and basic work are examined. It is suggested that greater attention be payed to genital measures, but it should not be assumed that they are the only or even the best measures available for study.


Assessment of anomalous erotic preferences in situational impotence. Sometimes the main reason for situational impotence is a gross anomaly in a patient's erotic preferences. However, those patients who for one reason or other try to adjust in their sexual interactions to the general norm tend to hide or underestimate their true erotic preferences. This makes it necessary sometimes to base our diagnosis on data other than a patient's verbal report. An overview on nonverbal diagnostic methods is presented, and one of them, the phallometric test, is described in more detail, including a discussion of its limitations.


Genital blood flow measurement: feedback applications in sexual therapy. Laboratory techniques are now available for measurement of both male and female genital engorgement during sexual arousal. When laboratory subjects are given information on their rate and amplitude of tumescence (biofeedback), they appear to acquire greater voluntary control of the response. Data from two experiments and a case study are presented to illustrate the application of biofeedback in both facilitation and suppression of penile responding. A PhD student is currently conducting analogous research with female subjects. Clinicians are cautioned against careless application of biofeedback techniques for the treatment of erectile inadequacies.


Discrimination of organic versus psychogenic impotence with the DSFI. The present study was oriented to discriminating impotence of biogenic origins from that with a psychogenic etiology on the basis of a psychological inventory--the DSFI. Subjects for the study were 14 males who presented with impotence clearly related to organic causes and a matched group of 14 males with impotence of psychogenic origins. Comparisons of scores on the eight subtests of the DSFI revealed psychogenic males to have significantly higher scores on two subscales--Experience and Gender Role Definition. The latter showed psychogenic males to have hypermasculine role definitions, and a cutting-score analysis revealed an 89% correct etiologic assignment on the basis of the gender role variable. A detailed analysis of the Symptoms subtest indicated that psychogenically impotent males also showed markedly reduced scores on the Phobic Anxiety dimension. Results were interpreted in the context of gender role research, and a dynamic hypothesis suggesting that counterphobic mechanisms may be central to psychogenic impotence was postulated. Evaluation of the increase in predictive efficiency associated with use of the DSFI in this context revealed it to be of marked value in the clinical assessment of male potency disorders.


Consumer talcums and powders: mineral and chemical characterization. Representative consumer talcums and powders, including 20 body powders, baby powders, facial talcums, and also one pharmaceutical talc, were analyzed to determine their mineralogical and chemical composition. Where known, all were formulated prior to 1973. Of the 20 products 10 contained detectable amounts of tremolite and anthophyllite, principally asbestiform, while some also contained fragmented forms of these minerals. The amounts ranged from tenths of a percent to over 14% by weight; two contained detectable amounts of chrysotile asbestos fiber. Eight contained quartz, seven ranging from 2 to 5%, with one as high as 35%. The analyses showed that the consumer products examined were rarely the pure mineral talc, but rather were mixtures of various minerals; some samples consisted of three to five minerals, only one of which was talc. Other common mineral phases included chlorite, platy serpentine, pyrophyllitem mica, and carbonate minerals. Kaolin additive was identified in two products. The single pharmaceutical talc examined contained only a trace amount of quartz. The chemical composition of these products, including both major oxide and trace element content, correlated with their mineral components. Four samples contained substantial concentrations of nickel, cobalt, and chromium, suggesting latice substitution or the presence of trace mineral phases. Geological provenance of the talcs may be ascertained on the basis of chemistry. Possible adverse health effects from intermittent use of these products, especially those that contain asbestiform and fragmented anthophyllite and tremolite, chrysotile, quartz, and trace metals, are presently unknown and warrnat evaluation.


Research data integrity: a result of an integrated information system. The toxicologic problems of today frequently require long-term, multidisciplinary experimentation involving large numbers of animals. In order to provide the extensive safety evaluation necessary to produce data that can be reasonably extrapolated to humans, automated research support systems have transcended the position of useful tools and have become an integral part of the total design of experimental protocols. For an automated information system to fully represent the reality of the experiment, it must be able to assure integrity, as well as provide for the storage, calculation, and retrieval of data values of the quality and quantity necessary for fulfilling protocol requirements. Guarantees against error and loss of data, in addition to flexibility and easy access, must be an inherent part of the system if the acceptance and condifence of the investigator are to be obtained. This paper discusses the criteria, philosophies, and benefits of integrated data systems that ensure integrity of toxicologic research support.


Changes of ion mobilizations and their related enzyme activities in the blood of fluoride-intoxicated rats. Fluoride concentrations in plasma 3 hr after a single oral dose of NaF (5 mg/100 g body weight) were increased 26 times above the control, but the concentrations in erythrocytes and red cell membranes were increased only 1.8 and 1.5 times over the respective control levels. Ionic concentrations of magnesium and calcium in erythrocytes and their membranes were significantly changed by fluoride administration, but the ionic concentrations in plasma were not statistically changed in comparison with controls. Acid phosphatase activities in plasma and erythrocytes were significantly decreased by fluoride administration, but alkaline phosphatase activity in the plasma was not changed. Mg2+-activated ATPase activity was significantly elevated in the erythrocyte membrane by fluoride administration; (Na+ + K+)-activated ATPase activity was significantly decreased in the membrane.


A statistical assessment of the quantitative uptake of vinyl chloride monomer from aqueous solution. The presence of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) in foodstuffs and its demonstrated carcinogenic potential when administered by the oral route has raised questions concerning the quantitative estimation of the safety of the use of food packaging fabricated from rigid polyvinyl chloride. A statistical model, which was tested by curve-fitting data obtained from an oral uptake study, has been demonstrated to be of predictive value. Ninety-five percent condifence limits were also calculated, and the data from this study were compared with those from a previous gas phase exposure study. It was concluded that if the total daily liquid intake contained 20 ppm of VCM then the area generated under the blood level-time curve, for rats, would be equivalent to an inhalation exposure of about 2 ppm for 24 hr.